U.S. patent application number 15/469950 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-28 for personal golfing assistant and method and system for graphically displaying golf related information and for collection, processing and distribution of golf related data.
This patent application is currently assigned to Skyhawke Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Skyhawke Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Richard C. Edmonson, James W. Meadows, Dallas L. Nash, II, Richard L. Root.
Application Number | 20170274255 15/469950 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43857336 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170274255 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meadows; James W. ; et
al. |
September 28, 2017 |
PERSONAL GOLFING ASSISTANT AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GRAPHICALLY
DISPLAYING GOLF RELATED INFORMATION AND FOR COLLECTION, PROCESSING
AND DISTRIBUTION OF GOLF RELATED DATA
Abstract
A personal golfing assistant system is comprised of software
running on a PDA attached directly or remotely to a GPS receiver
that enables the user to survey and/or electronically capture
geophysical golf data. A handheld device connected to or integrated
with a GPS receiver can instead be used. Software allows a golfer
to use a handheld PDA/GPS unit during the course of play to mark a
ball location automatically and/or determine the distance to golf
course targets and/or objects, and to analyze golf related data and
generate statistics. The system can send a set of parameters
tailored for a specific course to a real time tunable GPS to adjust
for optimal performance and can adjust measurements to compensate
for environmental condition changes. The system provides an
improved graphical method for measuring and displaying distances
between a golfer and a golf course object, for displaying multiple
measured distances along a line of sight between a golfer and a
golf object or target, and for orienting a target or object on a
display to coincide with a user's line of sight. There is also
provided a method for collecting and uploading golf course
geographic information services (GIS) data to an internet
accessible server, processing the uploaded data, distributing data
upon an authorized user request, and downloading the requested data
to an electronic device.
Inventors: |
Meadows; James W.; (Madison,
MS) ; Root; Richard L.; (Ridgeland, MS) ;
Nash, II; Dallas L.; (Madison, MS) ; Edmonson;
Richard C.; (Ridgeland, MS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Skyhawke Technologies, LLC |
Ridgeland |
MS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Skyhawke Technologies, LLC
Ridgeland
MS
|
Family ID: |
43857336 |
Appl. No.: |
15/469950 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13974816 |
Aug 23, 2013 |
9656134 |
|
|
15469950 |
|
|
|
|
13447989 |
Apr 16, 2012 |
8523711 |
|
|
13974816 |
|
|
|
|
12573750 |
Oct 5, 2009 |
7894286 |
|
|
13447989 |
|
|
|
|
11542546 |
Oct 3, 2006 |
8221269 |
|
|
12573750 |
|
|
|
|
10668919 |
Sep 23, 2003 |
7118498 |
|
|
11542546 |
|
|
|
|
09882652 |
Jun 15, 2001 |
|
|
|
10668919 |
|
|
|
|
60422415 |
Oct 30, 2002 |
|
|
|
60223152 |
Aug 7, 2000 |
|
|
|
60212036 |
Jun 16, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/20 20130101;
G01S 19/19 20130101; A63B 2071/0691 20130101; A63B 2220/12
20130101; A63B 2220/72 20130101; A63B 69/3605 20200801; A63B
2220/18 20130101; A63B 2220/14 20130101; A63B 2220/73 20130101;
A63B 57/00 20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001; G06F 16/9537 20190101;
A63B 71/0669 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 2220/13
20130101; A63B 2220/76 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; G01S 19/40
20130101; A63B 69/36 20130101; G01S 19/51 20130101; A63B 2220/75
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 57/00 20060101
A63B057/00; G01S 19/19 20060101 G01S019/19 |
Claims
1. A handheld apparatus for displaying a graphic representation of
a golf course, comprising: a location measuring device configured
to generate location information corresponding to a location of the
handheld apparatus; a memory configured to store location
information corresponding to each of a plurality of features of the
golf course; a computing device connected to the location measuring
device and the memory, and configured to retrieve a subset of the
plurality of features of the golf course based on the measured
location information generated by the location measuring device;
and a display connected to the computing device and configured to
display a graphic representation of the retrieved subset of the
plurality of features of the golf course.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
13/974,816, filed Aug. 23, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.
Ser. No. 13/447,989, filed Apr. 16, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,523,711 which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/573,752,
filed Oct. 5, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,702 which is a
continuation-in-part of and is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 for U.S. Ser. No. 11/542,546,
filed Oct. 3, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
10/668,919, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,498, issued Oct. 10, 2006,
which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No.
09/882,652, filed Jun. 15, 2001, now abandoned, which claims the
benefit of provisional patent application Nos. 60/212,036, filed
Jun. 16, 2000, 60/223,152, filed Aug. 7, 2000 and further claims
the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/422,415, filed
Oct. 30, 2002 the entire contents of each of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to navigation, survey and
analysis systems. More particularly, the present invention relates
to a system that allows a golfer to easily survey and/or
electronically input target and avoidance locations of a golf
course, record those locations, then use that object data to
determine the relative distance and relative elevation to those
objects using a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA) and
global positioning system (GPS) device. The present invention also
relates to a system and method of graphically displaying distance,
elapsed time, statistics and other golf related information on an
electronic or computerized device such as a handheld personal
digital assistant (PDA) and a global positioning system (GPS)
device, and to a method for collection, processing and distribution
of golf geographic information services (GIS) data via a
computerized system.
[0004] Background of the Invention
[0005] Since the inception of the global positioning system (GPS)
in the 1980's many useful military and civilian applications have
been developed to utilize its positioning capabilities. Since GPS
is primarily a military system, the civilian signals have been
previously degraded in a mode called Selective Availability (SA).
Typically, positions could be determined to a radius of 100 meters.
For many applications that was sufficient and acceptable. For other
applications, greater accuracy was required and numerous methods
were developed to diminish the effect of SA and increase the
accuracy level of the civilian signal. Many of these methods
required post processing of the signal data and thus could not be
used in real time applications. Other methods required the use of
Differential GPS (DGPS) equipment to increase the accuracy of the
signal in real time. These systems typically produced an accuracy
of 1 to 5 meters but required additional receivers, communications
links and antennas. They were portable systems but not easily
handheld.
[0006] In May of 2000 the Department of Defense authorized the
general cessation of SA on the civilian signal. This has diminished
intentional errors to the signal and has increased the accuracy of
commercial GPS receivers to generally 1 to 10 meters. This range of
accuracy greatly enhanced existing applications and will create
many opportunities for new applications.
[0007] During the period when SA was turned on, the error
introduced by the government was the major error in the GPS
civilian system which required various techniques such as DGPS to
sufficiently correct distances for use on a golf course. With SA
turned off, DGPS is no longer necessary for sufficiently accurate
distance calculations over short periods of time where
environmental conditions remain essentially unchanged for a GPS
system tuned for the motion dynamics of a golfer. However, over
longer periods of time, the changes in the ionosphere and
troposphere now make up the major error in the GPS civilian system
when determining locations and distances on a golf course. By
applying the processes of the present invention, these changes can
be filtered out and the GPS tunable parameters can be set by the
golfer for a specific course to produce accuracies necessary for
the golf course environment.
[0008] The present invention provides a personal, independent
handheld device for the mobile golfer. Some prior systems use a
base station installed on the course with radios to transmit
correction data. This invention does not require any centralized
equipment or radios to be installed at the golf course. Some
systems require transmitters to be installed on the pin on the
green. This invention does not require any transmitters to be
installed at the course. Some systems require survey zones to be
pre-defined and course images generated by professionals and then
provided to the golfer. Although this invention can use surveys
developed by others, the owner of the device can perform his own
personal surveys using a simple target-based user interface with
specialized objects and descriptors tailored for golf. Some systems
require error corrections to be obtained and applied on a per
satellite basis. This invention can adjust for differences in
environmental conditions from the time the original survey was
performed and the current playing conditions for a set of targets
grouped as a networked data set without having to apply corrections
to individual satellites. If DGPS is used to apply corrections to
individual satellites, the processes described by this invention
can be applied to further improve system accuracy. Many systems
require specific cart mounted equipment to determine the ball's
approximate position and compute distance to targets. This
invention allows the mobile golfer to walk up to the ball and hold
the device immediately above the ball location to determine the
ball's position and the distance to various targets. Cart-based
systems are typically dedicated to a specific course and shared by
many golfers. This invention can be used on a variety of courses
and can be adjusted for the personal mobile golfer dynamics of each
course using tunable GPS parameters.
[0009] A common drawback of existing golfing related devices that
operate in conjunction with a GPS is that the data and information
presented to the golfer or user on the device display screen is
typically presented in a limited and/or fixed format that has
limited use for the viewer. For example, the data and information
displayed on the screen may be static and not subject to any real
time user screen modifications. The user may not be able to
manipulate the display screen in real time to obtain further data
or different data that that originally presented. Also, some
golfing related devices with a GPS systems may be completely text
based, some may not provide display of environmental conditions,
some may not include displays of statistical golfer information.
Further, some golfing related devices with a GPS may not have the
ability to survey and collect golf course survey data, upload
collected survey, process uploaded survey data, and download golf
course related maps, data or information. There is thus a need for
a way to graphically display distances to targets, elapsed time,
club statistics, wind direction and other golf related information,
and a method for collecting, processing and distributing golf
course geographic information services (GIS) data and information,
including golf course survey data and information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for
measuring and displaying distances between a golfer and an object
on a golf course. The apparatus includes a GPS device connected or
integrated to a handheld computing device. The GPS device produces
location information corresponding to the location of the GPS
device. Software modifies the produced location information to
obtain corrected location information. Software also determines the
distance between the GPS device and the object. The resulting value
is displayed to the golfer on the handheld computing device.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of
obtaining and processing location values for a desired point on a
golf course. A handheld GPS device is used to obtain location
information concerning a reference point. The information from the
GPS device is compared with true location information and one or
more correction values are generated. A handheld GPS device is used
to obtain location information corresponding to the desired point.
The correction values are applied to the location information
corresponding to the desired point to generate corrected location
information for the desired point.
[0011] The present invention is also directed to an improved
graphical method for measuring and displaying distances between a
golfer or user and an object on a golf course, displaying the
elapsed time a golf player has been playing a hole on the course
and cumulative total of the time elapsed, and displaying statistics
of distance ranges for each golf club via a software application
running on an electronic or computerized device connected to a
global positioning system device. The present invention further
provides an improved graphical method for displaying multiple
measured distances along a line of sight between a golfer and an
object or target on the golf course, and for rotating or orienting
a target or object on a display to coincide with a user's
perspective or line of sight.
[0012] The present invention is further directed to a method for
the collection, processing, distribution and reception of golf
course geographic information services (GIS) data comprising the
steps of collecting and uploading the golf course GIS data to a
server computer accessible via the Internet, processing by
cataloging and storing the uploaded golf course data and
information in preparation for expected user requests for the
stored golf course GIS data, distributing the golf course GIS data
upon an authorized user request, and downloading the requested GIS
data to a electronic or computerized device operating in
conjunction with GIS data.
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a personal
golfing assistant that allows a golfer to personally survey his own
courses without relying on any local equipment other than a
handheld device.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a compact,
simplified and user friendly device and process to capture real
world geo location data that is of interest to a user, analyze that
data and present it to a golfer in a useful and beneficial
manner.
[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a personal
golfing assistant that accurately measures distances between a user
and an object on a golf course.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
personal golfing assistant that uses a GPS device to determine
and/or record the location of various points on a golf course.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
GPS-based system for reliably measuring distances on a golf course
in a variety of environmental conditions.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method of reducing the error associated with using a GPS-based
distance measuring device on a golf course.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
handheld GPS-based distance measuring device for use on a golf
course.
[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
distance measuring device for use on a golf course using a GPS
device and a PDA.
[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
distance measuring device for use on a golf course using a handheld
electronic device with an integrated GPS receiver.
[0022] A further object of the present invention to provide a
graphical method for measuring and displaying distances between a
golfer and an object on a golf course using an adjustable
cross-hair screen display.
[0023] A further object of the present invention to provide a
graphical method for displaying an object or target on a golf
course where the object or target is rotated on the screen display
from the point of view of the user.
[0024] A further object of the present invention to provide a
method for measuring and displaying, on an electronic or
computerized device operating in conjunction with GPS, distances
between a golfer and an object on a golf course, displaying the
elapsed time a player has been playing a hole on the course and
cumulative total of the time elapsed, and displaying statistics of
distance ranges for each club.
[0025] An additional object of the present invention to provide a
method for measuring and displaying, on a PDA, cellular telephone,
digital telephone or pager cooperatively connected to a GPS,
distances between a golfer and an object on a golf course,
displaying the elapsed time a player has been playing a hole on the
course and cumulative total of the time elapsed, and displaying
statistics of distance ranges for each club.
[0026] An additional object of the present invention to provide a
method by which pace of play is graphically displayed to the
user.
[0027] An additional object of the present invention to provide a
method for displaying the elapsed time a golf player has been
playing a hole on the golf course and the cumulative total of the
time elapsed in a textual or graphic manner.
[0028] Still a further object of the present invention to provide a
method for graphically displaying wind direction and/or magnitude
relative to an approach path between the golfer and an object or
target on a golf course.
[0029] Still a further object of the present invention to provide a
method by which wind direction is graphically displayed relative to
the user and a target or object.
[0030] Still a further object of the present invention to provide a
method by which distance information is displayed relative to
graphical targets or objects on a golf course.
[0031] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
method for displaying multiple measured distances along a line of
sight between a golfer and an object or target on the golf
course.
[0032] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
method for rotating or orienting a target or object on a display to
coincide with a user's perspective or line of sight.
[0033] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
method by which golf course graphics can be rotated and displayed
relative to the golfer in order to give the golfer or user line of
sight distances from the user's perspective.
[0034] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method by which distances from the user to the front and back of a
rotated image are computed and graphically displayed to give the
user line of sight distances to selected points from their
perspective.
[0035] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method by which distance to a selected target or object is
displayed graphically as large numbers for ease use.
[0036] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
method of doing business for distributing and retrieving geographic
information services (GIS) data relevant to a golf course.
[0037] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows, and in part will become apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following and the
accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation
of the embodiments. The objects and advantages of the inventive
concepts may be realized and attained by means of the
methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in
accord with the present invention, by way of example only, not by
way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer
to the same or similar elements. The description may be better
understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings,
of which:
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a main program
of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a process user input module of
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a process menu event module of
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a process pen down event module
of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a process virtual button event
module of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a process hard button event
module of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a process state action module of
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a compute distance module of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an analyze conditions module of
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a scoring and statistics module
of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a tune GPS module for one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a data exchange module for one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 13 shows a graph of control points and networked points
created without using DGPS;
[0052] FIG. 14 shows a graph of control points and networked points
created using DGPS;
[0053] FIG. 15 shows a graph of control points and non-networked
points created using DGPS;
[0054] FIG. 16 shows a graph of control points and networked points
created using DGPS illustrating properly tuned event recovery;
[0055] FIG. 17 shows a graph of control points and networked points
created using DGPS illustrating improperly tuned event
recovery;
[0056] FIG. 18 shows a main screen of a PDA user interface of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 19 shows an adding targets screen of a PDA user
interface of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 20 shows an adding target descriptions screen of a PDA
user interface of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 21 shows a recording target location screen of a PDA
user interface of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 22 shows a marking current ball location screen of a
PDA user interface of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 23 shows a recording club used screen of a PDA user
interface of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 24 shows a green targets screen of a PDA user interface
of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 25 shows a screen display, relative to the user's
perspective, of measured distances between a golfer and a green on
a golf course along with a crosshair set indicating distance to a
center, front and back of the green in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 26A shows the screen display of FIG. 25 where the user
has moved the crosshair set to a position corresponding to a flag
location on the green;
[0065] FIGS. 26B-26C show an embodiment of one preferred method to
determine the crosshair distances from user's perspective;
[0066] FIG. 27A shows a rotated image of the screen display of
FIGS. 25 and 26A to show an actual and correct line of sight view
for a user who has hit a ball to the left of the green;
[0067] FIG. 27B shows an embodiment of a preferred method to rotate
an object's outline to reflect the golfer's perspective;
[0068] FIG. 28 shows a graphical indicator of wind direction
relative to the user and a target or object in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 29A shows a screen display for use by a user to set the
prevailing wind direction and wind speed in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 29B shows an embodiment of a preferred method to
display prevailing wind direction on a screen display as shown in
FIGS. 28 and 29A;
[0071] FIG. 30A shows a text display of a pace of play timer to
inform the golfer of the golfer's pace relative to a normal pace of
play for a particular golf hole in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 30B shows a graphical representation of the pace of
play timer of FIG. 30A;
[0073] FIG. 30C shows an embodiment of a preferred method to the
display pace of play information of FIGS. 30A and 30B;
[0074] FIG. 31A shows a graphical representation of statistical
club distance ranges for a golfer relative to the distance to a
selected target in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0075] FIG. 31B shows an alternate scrolled graphical
representation of other statistical club distance ranges for a
golfer relative to the distance to a selected target;
[0076] FIG. 31C shows an embodiment of a preferred method or
process to display club ranges compared to the distance to a
selected target as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B;
[0077] FIG. 32A shows a screen display of the distance to a target
or object using large graphic numbers for easy viewing in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 32B shows a screen display of the distance a ball was
hit using large graphic numbers for easy viewing in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0079] FIGS. 33A and 33B show an embodiment of a software state
diagram for an application that can be used to carry out the method
for graphically displaying distance, elapsed time, statistics and
other golf related information in accordance with the present
invention;
[0080] FIG. 34A shows a flowchart for a method for collecting,
processing and distributing golf course related GIS data according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0081] FIGS. 34B-34G show an embodiment of carrying out a preferred
method for collecting, processing and distributing golf course
related GIS data;
[0082] FIG. 35 shows a hole view display of a plurality of targets,
a golfer's current position, and certain calculated distances in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0083] FIG. 36 shows functional layers for personal computer
internet or web access via a unique identification number of a
device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0084] FIG. 37 shows functional layers for wireless access to the
internet or web via an unique identification number of a handheld
device using wireless communications in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0085] FIGS. 38A-38F show a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of
one aspect of the present invention for automatically identifying a
handheld device using a unique identification number;
[0086] FIG. 39 shows a screen display, relative to the user's
perspective, of measured distances between a golfer and a green on
a golf course along with a crosshair set indicating distance to a
center, front and back of the green as well contour features of the
green in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0087] FIG. 40 shows a series of screenshots showing a hole view
feature that allows a user to view an entire hole and a shot path
on that hole, along with various icons representing hazards or
landmarks along the shot path in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0088] FIG. 41 shows a screenshot of a hole view feature in which a
visual representation of the entire hole is displayed to a user,
and distances to each of a plurality of landmarks along the shot
path are displayed to a user in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0089] The personal golfing assistant of the present invention is a
golfer-specific integrated system of software running on a PDA that
is attached directly via attachment or module or remotely via
cable, wireless link or integrated to a GPS receiver with tunable
parameters for individual mobile golfer dynamics that enables the
user to engage in a process of easily surveying and/or
electronically capturing geophysical data pertinent to the game of
golf such as the location of the center of the green, zones on the
green, bunkers, water, trees, hazards, etc. Where appropriate,
target outlines may be captured to enable the golfer to later view
the distance to the front/back or any other point of interest along
the outline based on their current ball position and viewpoint.
[0090] The present invention allows the golfer to use the same
handheld PDA/GPS unit in the course of play to mark the ball
location and/or determine the distance to various target and
avoidance objects after adjusting for differences in environmental
conditions from the time an original survey was performed and the
current conditions. The present invention takes into account the
motion dynamics specific to an individual golfer on a specific
course. A golfer may, if so desired, easily survey additional
points during the normal course of play in real time and then
immediately use that data. Furthermore, a golfer can elect to
record the ball locations at each shot and select the club used as
well as other pertinent data such as fairway position, ball
trajectory (straight, hook, slice, etc.), lie position, sand saves,
green in regulation, number of putts, etc. Software analyzes ball
location, distance, club and other information in order to generate
useful statistics that could improve and/or enhance the golfers
game. Target/avoidance objects, distances and/or statistics can
selectively be displayed in real time as text on the PDA screen
and/or graphically on an electronic course layout map of each hole
and/or group of holes contained in memory on the PDA. Distance
information may be displayed in yards or meters or other units as
required. Other peripheral functions may be displayed as well, such
as timer functions, custom course slope functions, scoring
functions, golf handicap functions, etc. Club suggestions may be
displayed based on previously captured statistical data and current
distance to target area.
[0091] To facilitate the ability of a golfer to easily adjust for
changes in environmental conditions, several special non-target
reference points on each hole can also be recorded during a survey
process. These reference points combined with the target points
enable the PDA to also be used by itself in a simulation mode
without a GPS device attached as an electronic version of a yardage
book where the use of GPS is restricted either due to play rules or
other circumstances. When GPS use is restricted, the golfer can use
the PDA by itself as an electronic yardage book by operating in a
simulation mode and making use of special non-target reference
points or targets. By going to a reference point or target the
golfer can simulate that the golfer is at that point in order to
view distances to all targets from that point and then make
adjustments for actual ball location from that point in much the
same way as sprinkler heads and other permanent markers are
currently used to estimate distance to center of green during
play.
[0092] The golfer can also load course object data previously
surveyed by the golfer or others and adjust the distance processing
to correct for differences between current environmental conditions
and the environmental conditions when the course was originally
surveyed. This process combined with real time tunable GPS
parameters that can be adjusted for the dynamics of an individual
mobile golfer on a specific course enables relative distances to be
computed with sufficient accuracy for golf without requiring the
use of DGPS equipment or any equipment mounted on a golf cart or
infrastructure on the golf course. As part of the process of using
real time tunable GPS parameters and geo-referenced object data
adjusted for changes in environmental conditions, a golfer will be
able to also record the distances, locations and type of each golf
shot, associate that with the club used and then generate useful
visualization, real time suggestions based on prior play,
statistics and scoring for each round of golf. The PDA can also be
used by itself in a simulation mode without a GPS device attached
as an electronic version of a yardage book.
Modes
[0093] The personal golfing assistant system of the present
invention is comprised of software running on a handheld computing
device such as a PDA that is attached either directly or remotely
to a GPS receiver. Examples of PDA's that could be used include
those manufactured by Palm, Handspring and others. Alternatively, a
palmtop computer or other small processing device with a display
could be used. In one embodiment of the present invention, the GPS
receiver and the computing device are contained in a single,
handheld housing. It is an event driven system as illustrated by
the flowcharts in FIGS. 1-7. The user has the option to select the
mode for loading a previously surveyed course and play a round of
golf, or select the setup mode to engage in a process of easily
surveying and/or electronically capturing geophysical data points
pertinent to the game of golf such as the location of the center of
the green, zones on the green, bunkers, water, trees, hazards, etc.
While in play mode the golfer can perform selected survey functions
to add new data points to the current course survey. A simulation
mode allows the golfer to use the PDA without the GPS attached for
conditions where GPS use is restricted or for strategy planning
purposes while away from the course.
Survey and Data Capture
[0094] Survey and data capture functions are implemented by means
of several processes. The first process allows the user to survey
the target/avoidance objects prior to playing a round of golf. A
user interface screen presents the user with a hierarchical list of
objects from which the user can choose and mark the geo-referenced
location by simply pressing a virtual "Record Target" button on the
PDA display touch screen. The GPS data would then be automatically
recorded and associated with the object designation. A series of
objects (e.g. targets for a single hole) surveyed within a short
period of time can be grouped as a networked data set. A networked
data set is a group of points that retain their distance
relationships even as major environmental changes occur. Absolute
position accuracy is not as essential while surveying as long as
the relative position of objects within a networked data set is
accurate. These data points would then be referenced during
subsequent rounds of golf in order to provide the basis for
analysis and statistics.
[0095] The second process allows the user to survey the location of
the target/avoidance objects during the normal course of play as
the golfer arrives at each ball location or area of interest. The
user enters the data via the menu presented on the PDA display
touch screen. When the virtual "Record Target" button is pressed on
the display touch screen the GPS location information is
automatically recorded and associated with the object
designation.
[0096] A third process allows the user to dynamically update or add
survey information during the normal course of play even after
location data has previously been entered. The golfer merely
selects the item to add or update and then touches the virtual
"Record Target" button to automatically record the position data
with the desired point or object. That data is then immediately
available for use by the golfer. By making appropriate use of
reference points prior to adding targets, the new target locations
can be adjusted to match the environmental conditions of the
networked data set when the course was previously surveyed in order
to preserve the relative distances of all targets in the networked
data set to one another.
Position Simulation
[0097] When GPS use is restricted, a golfer can use a simulation
mode to determine distances to course targets and hazards. By going
to one of the special non-target reference points or any of the
targets on a hole, the golfer can simulate that the golfer is at
that point in order to view distances to all targets from that
point. The golfer can then make adjustments for the actual ball
location from that point in much the same way as sprinkler heads
and other permanent markers are currently used to estimate distance
to center of green during play.
[0098] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention
geo-referenced layout maps of the golf course can be displayed on
the PDA screen to enable the golfer to approximate and visually
locate on the PDA screen new survey locations of target/avoidance
objects and points as well as approximate and visually locate
distances to those objects and points from an estimated marked
position if no GPS signal was available. The golfer would have all
of the statistical and scoring functionality of the software albeit
deductive reckoning would approximate the distances.
Distance, Scoring and Statistics During Play
[0099] In a further aspect of one embodiment of the present
invention, software allows the golfer to immediately and in real
time use the same handheld PDA/GPS unit in the course of play to
dynamically display in real-time on the PDA screen the distance
from the golfer holding the PDA/GPS device to the various
target/avoidance objects that the golfer previously surveyed and/or
downloaded via PC, landline, or wireless link into the system.
[0100] During actual play of a round of golf the golfer may mark
the ball location by pressing a virtual "Mark Ball" button on the
PDA screen and then, as shown in FIG. 8, automatically determine
the distance to various target and avoidance objects, and/or
relative elevation to the target/avoidance objects as well as the
distance the ball was hit. Furthermore, the golfer can elect to
record the ball locations at each shot and select club used as well
as other pertinent data such as fairway position, ball trajectory
(straight, hook, slice, etc.), sand saves, green in regulation,
number of putts, etc. This allows the golfer to save club distance
and other characteristics of the shot for immediate review on the
PDA or later analysis on the PDA or other computing devices. This
analysis could include, but is not limited to, computing the
average distance hit for each club based on data from single or
multiple rounds of play. Based on average distances for each club
and the current distance to a target the system could make club
recommendations for a particular shot during play.
[0101] In the subroutine shown in FIG. 8, yards per latitude and
yards per longitude for the golfer's current location on the earth
are generated when a new screen is displayed. This reduces the
complexity and time required for the real time computation and
update of distances to all targets being displayed. An alternative
method is to use the great circle formula to compute the distance
between all latitude and longitude points. Elevation differences
may also be calculated and displayed.
[0102] The Scoring and Statistics Module shown in FIG. 10 analyzes
scores, ball location, distance, club and other information in
order to generate useful statistics that could improve and/or
enhance a golfer's game. The target/avoidance objects and/or
statistics can selectively be displayed as text on the PDA screen
and/or graphically on geo-referenced and object oriented course
layout maps of each hole and/or groups of holes contained in memory
on the PDA. The software can also process cumulative course
distances to generate daily course slope data for use by the
golfer. Other data may be generated and displayed as well such as
timer functions, golf handicap functions, etc.
Filter Adjustments for Environmental Conditions
[0103] Space Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) such as WAAS, EGNOS
and MSAS may be used successfully a majority of time where such
signals and systems are available. However, it is beneficial to
have additional location correction methods to further augment such
systems or to provide corrections in areas of the world where SBAS
or GBAS (Ground Based Augmentation Systems) do not exist.
[0104] By having one or more reference points included in a
pre-defined survey of known points of a golf course, a golfer can
adjust for the current environmental conditions for a period of
time in order to correctly determine distances to the pre-defined
points of interest without requiring the use of DGPS equipment or
any equipment mounted on a golf cart or infrastructure on the golf
course. Unlike DGPS and other techniques that apply corrections on
a per satellite basis, the eFilter corrections of this invention
are applied to a networked data set of points. DGPS and other
corrective techniques can be used in conjunction with the
techniques of this invention for additional accuracy, but are not
required. Use of the eFilter will make DGPS-based computations even
more accurate. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the flowcharts for the distance
computation and eFilter adjustment processes.
[0105] Before starting play, a golfer goes to the first reference
point and taps a button on his PDA to instruct the software to
correct for current environmental conditions. In the simplest form,
this is accomplished by comparing the current computed
latitude/longitude (Lat/Lon) to the previously surveyed Lat/Lon
(LatS/LonS) for the reference point and computing the difference in
Lat and difference in Lon. These differences become the basis of
correction values referred to herein as Latitude/Longitude eFilter
correction values (LatE/LonE). As the golfer plays the course, if
the eFilter is turned on, all target Lat/Lons (LatT/LonT) are
adjusted by the eFilter correction values (LatE/LonE) as
illustrated below:
[0106] When the button is pressed at the first reference point:
LatE=Lat-LatS
LonE=Lon-LonS
[0107] The adjusted Lat/Lon (LatTA/LonTA) of a subsequent target
position is then computed as follows when the eFilter is on:
LatTA=LatT+LatE
LonTA=LonT+LonE
[0108] Distance from the current position (Lat/Lon) to a target is
then computed using LatTA/LonTA rather than LatT/LonT.
[0109] Where
[0110] LatS=Lat of reference point in pre-defined survey
[0111] LonS=Lon of reference point in pre-defined survey
[0112] LatE=eFilter Lat correction value
[0113] LonE=eFilter Lon correction value
[0114] Lat=current GPS Lat reading
[0115] Lon=current GFS Lon reading
[0116] LatT=Lat of target point in a pre-defined survey
[0117] LonT=Lon of target point in a pre-defined survey
[0118] LatTA=Adjusted Lat of target point
[0119] LonTA=Adjusted Lon of target point
[0120] An alternative method would be to compute LatE as LatS-Lat
and apply the adjustment to Lat rather than LatT (and the same for
LonS).
[0121] As long as the current environmental conditions remain
fairly consistent, distances will now be corrected to 1-3 meter
accuracy. If the golfer notices that the computed distances appear
incorrect, he can go to the next available pre-surveyed reference
point and repeat the above process to correct for the new
environmental conditions. Reference points can be pre-surveyed in
the tee area of each hole and other specific points along the hole
to allow the golfer to establish new eFilter correction values at
each hole. These specific reference points can be grouped as
non-target points (SmartMarks) and displayed in a list for each
hole to enable the golfer to easily find the nearest reference
point where he can adjust for new environmental and other
conditions that introduce errors in the position solution.
[0122] If a golfer does not have a pre-defined precise survey of
known points on a course, he can perform his own survey as
previously described with the eFilter turned OFF. As part of the
survey he must select and survey a recognizable reference point for
the course and, if possible, reference points in the tee area and
other specific points along each hole. The objects surveyed
immediately after marking a reference point become a networked data
set (e.g. all recorded points for a hole). As long as the data set
survey is accomplished within a period of time where environmental
conditions are relatively constant, all points within the data set
will have an accurate offset from the reference point. After
completing the data set, the golfer can return to the reference
point and verify that the distance to the reference point is within
acceptable limits (e.g. 1-3 yards) while standing on the reference
point to ensure the validity of the networked data set. If the
distance to the reference point is greater than the acceptable
limit when standing back at the reference point, the data set must
be resurveyed.
[0123] When the golfer is ready to start play either later that day
or on some other day, the golfer goes to the first reference point
and taps a button on his PDA to instruct the software to correct
for current environmental conditions. The software will compare the
current GPS Lat/Lon to the surveyed Lat/Lon for the reference point
and compute the difference in Lat and difference in Lon. These
differences become the basis of the current Latitude/Longitude
eFilter correction values (LatE/LonE). As the golfer plays the
course, if the eFilter is turned on, all target Lat/Lons are
adjusted by the eFilter correction values. This process effectively
applies the difference in environmental conditions from the time
the points were originally surveyed and the current conditions.
These adjustments are primarily valid for the data set associated
with the reference point for that networked data set. However, if
the original survey of the entire course is performed within a
short enough time, the first reference point can also be considered
a reference point for the entire course and the entire course
treated as a networked data set. In this case the golfer needs only
set the eFilter at the beginning of play instead of at each hole.
At any time during play, if current conditions change to produce
errors outside of acceptable limits, the golfer can then go to the
next reference point for a hole and create new eFilter correction
values for the current conditions which then remain valid as long
as current conditions remain relatively consistent.
[0124] A golfer can also add a new target to an existing course
survey if he has recently gone to a reference point and created new
eFilter correction values for the current environmental conditions
as follows:
LatE=Lat-LatS
LonE=Lon-LonS
[0125] If the eFilter is on when he marks new targets, the target
Lat/Lon will be adjusted to match the original survey environmental
conditions for the networked data set. As the golfer adds new
targets to the networked data set, if the eFilter is on, the
Lat/Lon for the target(s) are adjusted and saved as follows:
LatTM=Lat-LatE
LonTM=Lon-LonE
[0126] Where
[0127] LatS=Lat of reference point in prior survey
[0128] LonS=Lon of reference point in prior survey
[0129] LatE=eFilter Lat correction value
[0130] LonE=eFilter Lon correction value
[0131] Lat=current GPS Lat reading
[0132] Lon=current GPS Lon reading
[0133] LatTM=Modified Lat of target point saved in networked data
set
[0134] LonTM=Modified Lon of target point saved in networked data
set
[0135] The Lat/Lon saved for the target(s) are effectively modified
to match the environmental conditions of the original networked
data set so that it can be treated as part of that networked data
set.
[0136] A golfer can add new reference points to an existing course
survey if he has at least one valid reference point that was saved
under similar environmental conditions as the survey points. For
example, if a reference point was surveyed for the 1st and 3rd
holes but not for the 2nd hole, the golfer could go to one of the
reference points and create new eFilter correction values for the
current environmental conditions. The golfer would then go to the
2nd hole and mark the desired reference point for that hole with
eFilter on. This will modify the Lat/Lon of the new reference point
when it is recorded to match the environmental conditions of the
original networked data set.
[0137] Prior to adding a new reference point the golfer goes to a
nearby reference point and creates a new eFilter to compute the
following:
LatE=Lat-LatS
LonE=Lon-LonS
[0138] When the golfer goes to the location for a new reference
point and marks it, if the eFilter is on, the Lat/Lon for the
reference point is adjusted and saved as follows:
LatRM=Lat-LatE
LonRM=Lon-LonE
[0139] Where
[0140] LatS=Lat of known reference point in prior survey
[0141] LonS=Lon of known reference point in prior survey
[0142] LatE=eFilter Lat correction value
[0143] LonE=eFilter Lon correction value
[0144] Lat=current GPS Lat reading
[0145] Lon=current GPS Lon reading
[0146] LatRM=Modified Lat of new reference point saved in networked
data set
[0147] LonRM=Modified Lon of new reference point saved in networked
data set
[0148] The Lat/Lon saved for the new reference point is effectively
modified to match the environmental conditions of the original
networked data set so that it can be treated as part of that
networked data set.
[0149] This same technique can be used to later remark a reference
point for a hole that perhaps was originally marked with poor
position quality (e.g. the number of satellites in use dropped
momentarily when the point was marked).
eFilter2 Adjustments for Projected Environmental Conditions
[0150] In one embodiment of the present invention, software can
also access a table of correction values for projected
environmental conditions for a specific period of time in order to
more accurately determine distances to pre-defined points of
interest on a golf course. Before playing a course, the golfer
loads corrections for the projected environmental conditions for
the day the golfer plans to play. These corrections are in the form
of Lat/Lon adjustments based on the date and time of day. With SA
turned off, the major error factor will be changes in the
ionosphere. Since effects of the sun on the ionosphere can be
generally predicted at any given time for a specific location, a
table of Lat/Lon adjustment values can be generated for that
specific location for a specific day and for specific time periods
during that day.
[0151] The software at any given time would look up the Lat/Lon
adjustment values in the table (referred to herein as eFilter2
adjustment values) for the current date and time to adjust for the
predicted environmental conditions and apply them as follows:
LatTA2=LatT+LatE2
LonTA2=LonT+LonE2
[0152] Distance from the current position (Lat/Lon) to a target is
then computed using LatTA2/LonTA2 rather than LatT/LonT.
[0153] Where
[0154] LatE2=eFilter2 Lat correction value from table for a
specific date and time period
[0155] LonE2=eFilter2 Lon correction value from table for a
specific date and time period
[0156] Lat=current GPS Lat reading
[0157] Lon=current GPS Lon reading
[0158] LatT=Lat of target point in a pre-defined survey
[0159] LonT=Lon of target point in a pre-defined survey
[0160] LatTA2=Adjusted Lat of target point
[0161] LonTA2=Adjusted Lon of target point
[0162] As long as the current environmental conditions match the
predicted conditions, distances will now be corrected to a higher
degree of accuracy.
[0163] By using eFilter2, the original survey performed by the
golfer will be recorded to a higher degree of accuracy. For
example, when performing the original survey of a course, the
golfer would turn on eFilter2 but not the basic eFilter (based on
reference points) described earlier. With eFilter2 turned on, the
recorded Lat/Lon for target(s) would be computed and saved as
follows:
LatTM2=Lat-LatE2
LonTM2=Lon-LonE2
[0164] Where
[0165] LatTM2=Modified Lat of target point saved in networked data
set
[0166] LonTM2=Modified Lon of target point saved in networked data
set
[0167] As long as the current environmental conditions match the
predicted conditions, distances will now be corrected to a higher
degree of accuracy reducing the effects of changing environmental
conditions after a reference point is marked.
[0168] The distances computed during play can also be made less
susceptible to changing conditions in between reference points.
Before playing a course, the golfer can load corrections for the
projected environmental conditions for the day he plans to play.
These corrections are in the form of Lat/Lon adjustments based on
the date and time of day. Also, by having one or more reference
points included in a pre-defined survey of known points of a golf
course, the golfer can correct for the current environmental
conditions for a period of time in order to correctly determine
distances to the pre-defined points of interest. Before starting
play, the golfer could turn on eFilter2 to constantly adjust for
predicted changes in the environment. The golfer then goes to the
first reference point and taps a button on his PDA to instruct the
software to compute the basic eFilter for current environmental
conditions. As the golfer plays the course, if both the basic
eFilter and eFilter2 are turned on, all target Lat/Lons are
adjusted by the correction values as illustrated below:
[0169] When button is pressed at the 1 st reference point:
LatE=Lat-+LatS-LatE2
LonE=Lon-LonS-LonE2
[0170] The adjusted Lat/Lon of a target position is then computed
as follows when both eFilters are on:
LatTA=LatT+LatE+LatE2
LonTA=LonT+LonE+LonE2
[0171] Distance from the current position (Lat/Lon) to a target is
then computed using LatTA/LonTA rather than LatT/Lon.T, where
[0172] LatS=Lat of reference point in pre-defined survey
[0173] LonS=Lon of reference point in pre-defined survey
[0174] LatE=eFilter Lat correction value
[0175] LonE=eFilter Lon correction value
[0176] Lat=current GPS Lat reading
[0177] Lon=current GPS Lon reading
[0178] LatE2=eFilter2 Lat correction value from table for a
specific date and time period
[0179] LonE2=eFilter2 Lon correction value from table for a
specific date and time period
[0180] LatT=Lat of target point in a pre-defined survey
[0181] LonT=Lon of target point in a pre-defined survey
[0182] LatTA=Adjusted Lat of target point
[0183] LonTA=Adjusted Lon of target point
Elevation Adjustments
[0184] If altitude is recorded for each target in addition to its
Lat/Lon position, the 3D distance from the golfer's current
position to any target can be computed to include eFilter adjusted
differences in elevation.
[0185] When the golfer goes to a reference point and taps a button
on his PDA to instruct the software to correct for current
environmental conditions, the current altitude (Alt) is also
compared to the surveyed altitude (AltS) for the point and the
difference in altitude computed. This difference is included with
the correction values for Lat/Lon as eFilter correction values
(LatE/LonE/AltE). As the golfer plays the course, if the eFilter is
turned on, all target Lat/Lon/alt (LatT/LonT/AltT) are adjusted by
the eFilter correction values (LatE/LonE/AltE) as illustrated
below:
[0186] When button is pressed at the first reference point, compute
LatE and LonE as previously described, as well as, the
following:
AltE=Alt-AltS
[0187] The adjusted Lat/Lon (LatTA/LonTA) of a subsequent target
position is then computed as previously described, as well as, the
adjusted Alt (AltTA) of the target as follows:
AltTA=AltT+AltE
[0188] The difference in elevation between the golfer and the
target point is then computed as follows:
ElevDist=AltTA-Alt
[0189] For computing three dimensional (3D) distances for golf, the
effects upon the golf trajectory due to differences in elevation
should also be considered. The effective 3D distance to an uphill
target is greater than the straight line 3D distance between the
two points due to motion dynamics of the golf ball in flight and
"more club" (typically a lower club number) is needed that a
straight line 3D distance would indicate. Likewise the effective
distance to a down hill target is less than the straight-line 3D
distance between the two points and "less club" is needed. The
effective distance from the golfer's current position (Lat/Lon/Alt)
to a target can be computed using LatTA/LonTA/AltTA rather than
LatT/LonT/AltT as follows:
LatLonDist=Sqrt((((LatTA-Lat)*Yds/Lat)**2)+(((LonTA-Lon)*Yds/Lon)**2))
EffDist3D=Sqrt((LatLonDist**2)+(((AltTA-Alt)*Yds/Mtr*EF)**2))
[0190] Or the two equations can be combined as follows:
EffDist3D=Sqrt((((LatTA-Lat)*Yds/Lat)**2)+(((LonTA-Lon)*Yds/Lon)**2)+(((-
AltTA-Alt)*Yds/Mtr*EF)**2))
[0191] Where
[0192] AltS=Altitude of reference point in pre-defined survey
[0193] AltE=eFilter altitude correction value
[0194] Alt=current GPS altitude reading
[0195] AltT=altitude of target point in a pre-defined survey
[0196] AltTA=adjusted altitude of target point
[0197] Yds/Lat=Yards per latitude for that region of the earth
[0198] Yds/Lon=Yards per longitude for that region of the earth
[0199] Yds/Mtr=Yards per Meter (assuming the GPS reports altitude
in meters)
[0200] EF=Elevation Factor (>1 for uphill targets, <1 for
downhill targets)
[0201] LatLonDist=2D distance computed using Lat/Lon data
[0202] EffDist3D=Effective 3D distance computed using Lat/Lon and
Altitude data
[0203] The value for EF can be determined from a simple trajectory
model that produces values greater than 1 for uphill targets and
less than 1 for down hill targets. A value of EF=1 produces the
straight line 3D distance. More involved models can take into
account the air density based on the current altitude. Other
sensors can be added to the PDA/GPS combination such as humidity
and temperature to include in the trajectory model that produces
the value for EF. If available, wind speed and direction could also
be factored in.
[0204] When a golfer adds new targets to a networked data set with
the eFilter on, the altitude for the target(s) are adjusted and
saved as follows: AltTM=Alt-AltE
[0205] Where
[0206] AltE=eFilter altitude correction value
[0207] Alt=current GPS altitude reading
[0208] AltTM=Modified altitude of target point saved in networked
data set
[0209] Similarly, when adding a new reference point with the
eFilter on, the altitude for the reference point is adjusted and
saved as follows:
AltRM=Alt-AltE
[0210] Where
[0211] AltE=eFilter altitude correction value
[0212] Alt=current GPS altitude reading
[0213] AltRM=Modified altitude of new reference point saved in
networked data set
Target Outlines
[0214] Targets have been primarily described as single point
targets, but in fact can also be target outlines consisting of a
series of Lat/Lon/Alt points. The target outline could be the
outline of the green, a bunker, a water hazard, etc. The distance
from the golfer to any point on the target outline can be computed
in the same manner as already described when computing the distance
from the golfer to a single target point. The eFilter adjustments
can be applied to all points along the outline to correct for
differences in environmental conditions in the same manner as
previously described for a single target point. Distances to
significant points along the outline (e.g. front/back as viewed
from the golfer's current position) that have been adjusted for
differences in environmental conditions can be displayed on a
graphics screen displaying the outline, or to any point along or
within the outline that the golfer indicates (e.g. by touching a
point along the outline).
[0215] Target outlines one or more holes can also be displayed one
or more display screens along with the current position of the
golfer as he drives or walks along the course and stops next to his
golf ball. Distances to targets from his ball position and how far
the ball was hit can also be calculated, displayed and viewed by
the golfer. FIG. 35 illustrates an example of a screen display
showing a hole view of all targets, the golfer's current position,
calculated distance to the green, i.e., 206 yards, and calculated
distance the golf ball was hit by the golfer, i.e., 166 yards.
Mobile Golfer Dynamics Toolset
[0216] In order to provide optimal performance on a golf course,
the motion dynamics of a mobile golfer must be considered. Since
the PDA is a hand held device, the attached GPS can experience
moderate speeds while the golfer is in a golf cart, low speeds
while the golfer is walking, and many pauses while the golfer is
waiting to hit the ball. This is notably different motion dynamics
from a GPS used for other applications such as in a vehicle
traveling down the highway. While most of the time there will be a
clear view of the sky during normal play, some tees boxes may have
close-by foliage, balls are hit out of the fairway and some cart
paths go under covered areas. GPS signals can bounce off nearby
objects resulting in position errors due to effects of multipath.
It is important to tune the operation of the GPS device to reduce
the impact of these short-term events and at the same time quickly
recover from such events.
[0217] A Mobile Golfer Dynamics Toolset (MGDT) that can allow the
capture and analysis of GPS output data under varying conditions in
one embodiment of the present invention tailors the GPS device to
the motion dynamics of a mobile golfer. The MGDT implemented to
support the development of one embodiment of the personal golfing
assistant of the present invention is capable of capturing
essential GPS data during both regular play and during the survey
process with and without the eFilter adjustments previously
described. This toolset is also able to compare captured data to
precisely surveyed known points of reference and produce
statistical summaries as well as visual graphical plots of the
results. The motion dynamics of the handheld GPS, as well as the
effects of using different tunable parameters, can be viewed.
[0218] The Mobile Golfer Dynamics Toolset (MGDT) of one embodiment
of the present invention is comprised of several components: [0219]
1) A software module that runs on a PDA that sets the GPS tunable
parameters and captures GPS output data under varying conditions
that replicate the motion dynamics of a mobile golfer. GPS data can
also be captured during both regular play and during a survey
process with and without the eFilter adjustments previously
described. This is accomplished by tapping a "Start" button on the
user interface. This initializes communications with the GPS
device, assigns a reference tag to the data and continuously
captures all GPS data including, but not limited to, latitude,
longitude, altitude, number of satellites, and HDOP (Horizontal
Dilution of Precision). The data is stored in memory on the PDA for
later analysis using the analysis module described below. The data
capture is stopped by tapping an "End" button on the user
interface. Using this process, data may be captured for analysis in
the environment the GPS device will be used. [0220] 2) A software
module that loads the captured data, translates and formats the
data for use in the analysis software described below. This is
accomplished by reading the reference tag associated with the data
and the captured GPS data saved on the PDA. In one embodiment,
latitude and longitude data is translated from the GPS output into
decimal degree format in order to facilitate plotting of the data.
The algorithm for this translation is: (+/-) ddd+(mm.mmm/60), where
d is Degrees of latitude and longitude and m is decimal minutes of
latitude and longitude. The leading (+/-) refers to latitude north
(+) or south (-) and longitude east (+) or west (-). The data is
then formatted by separating the data sets with commas (comma
separated values--CSV) and opening and writing a new file for use
by the analysis software. [0221] 3) A software analysis module that
runs on a PC and compares the captured data to precisely surveyed
known points of reference and produces statistical summaries, as
well as visual graphical plots of the results. This is accomplished
by loading the file produced by the translation software referred
to above into a spreadsheet or other analysis software. The data is
loaded into the spreadsheet or other analysis software and compared
to known surveyed data points, i.e., Control Points. Statistical
analysis of the data sets is comprised of the standard deviation
calculated for the data as well as the average, minimum and maximum
deltas or difference from the Control Points. Additionally, plots
are generated with reference to the Control Points for visual
analysis of the data to determine the relative and absolute
patterns of the data sheets. (See the figures referenced below.)
This is an iterative process and is done for each set of parameters
used. As the data sets are compared, the motion dynamics of the
handheld GPS can be viewed, as well as the effects of using
different tunable parameters. Based on the results of this process
the optimal settings for the tunable parameters of the GPS unit can
be determined for each particular course, locality or even
individual golfer. The motion dynamics analysis that this module
provides is described below.
[0222] For the eFilter to work properly, the GPS must perform in
such a manner that points surveyed within a short time interval
have similar offset errors from the actual location. FIG. 13 was
produced by the MGDT of one embodiment of the present invention for
a series of test points along an XY grid showing the handheld GPS
positions recorded over time without any DGPS corrections. This
analysis shows that even though the GPS positions are "off", they
differ from the correct position by similar amounts and thus retain
their relative distances to each other as a networked data set of
points. FIG. 14 shows similar results for the same handheld GPS
using WAAS to obtain and apply DGPS corrections. This shows that
DGPS increases the accuracy as expected, and that this GPS was also
programmed properly to produce a networked data set of points. FIG.
15 shows the results of a GPS that although is in general more
accurate than the one shown in FIG. 13, it produces points that are
not networked and thus cannot benefit from the use of the
eFilter.
[0223] FIG. 16 shows the results of a GPS that experienced a
short-term event that momentarily effected the position accuracy of
one point, but used properly tuned parameters to quickly recover
from the event. FIG. 17 shows the results of a GPS without
appropriate tunable parameters that experienced a similar
short-term event, but the effect on the position accuracy was
propagated over a period of time and over several points in a
manner that would significantly affect the golfer's ability to use
of the GPS on a golf course.
Tunable GPS Parameters
[0224] As illustrated in the previous section, a GPS that does not
use tunable GPS parameters configured for the mobile golfer can
produce disappointing results. It may work fine for other
applications of GPS, but not for the golf course environment. Any
GPS unit that is programmable and configurable with the required
parameters may be used. These include, but are not limited to,
Magellan GPS for Palm V and Handspring Visor series, GeoDiscovery
Geode, BAE Systems AllStar, Garmin, Trimble and Rockwell GPS units
with RS-232 interface. Several parameters have been identified that
need to be tuned to produce optimal results for a specific course.
These configurable parameters include position averaging, satellite
elevation masking, satellite signal strength masking, carrier phase
smoothing and pseudorange filtering. Each of these parameters is
known configurable parameters in GPS applications. Carrier phase
smoothing pertains to filtering of the actual GPS carrier signal
for use as a reference in the GPS calculations internal to the GPS
unit. Pseudorange filtering pertains to the smoothing of the
individual calculated ranges to the GPS satellites prior to their
use in producing a GPS navigation solution as output from the GPS
unit. The software module that controls the GPS configuration
parameters is referred to herein as a "Smart Filter" or an
"sFilter". The sFilter's function is to dynamically allow the
individual mobile golfer to set or monitor the parameters used to
average out the effects of multipath and other GPS signal errors.
The ability of one embodiment of the present invention to be able
to group a set of parameters that have been fine tuned to optimize
the accuracy of the GPS for a specific course or individual golfer
enables the system to perform optimally given the general
environmental conditions of a specific course. For example, a GPS
on a course in the desert may operate best with low satellite
elevation masking and a large carrier phase smoothing filter.
However if these same settings were used on a course in a valley or
one with large buildings nearby, the golfer could experience less
than optimal results, whereas in this case, an sFilter setting with
a higher satellite elevation mask and a smaller carrier phase
smoothing filter would work better. The present invention allows
the golfer to set the configurable parameters on his own or to
download an optimized set of configurable parameters for a
particular course from an outside source. In addition, an optimized
set of configurable parameters could be automatically determined by
the PDA using a MGDT, such as that described above.
[0225] These tunable parameters can be revised over time for a
specific course as more golfers use the system and learn the best
values for that course. These values can be published so that the
golfer can set the tunable GPS parameters before starting play on a
course. The tunable GPS parameters could also be electronically
provided to the golfer through various techniques described in the
next section to further automate this process.
Data Exchange
[0226] Basic course position data and GPS tunable parameters may be
beamed or transmitted to other nearby golfers. Also, the results of
any of the actions previously described can be beamed via a PDA
infrared port or transmitted wirelessly to other nearby golfers to
enable them to use the results of those actions without having to
perform those actions themselves. In particular, this allows one
person in a group, or a caddie, to be the designated person that
periodically goes to specific reference points and creates new
eFilters for the current environmental conditions. The new eFilters
can then be transmitted in real time while playing the course to
the other members in the group to enable them to more accurately
determine distances to a pre-defined survey of known target points
on a course. Unlike DGPS type corrections that apply just to your
current position, these adjustments are applied to all target
Lat/Lon values within a networked data set thereby retaining their
distance relationships between targets within the networked data
set. It also allows a person to go in advance of the group to mark
new targets that may not exist in the pre-defined course survey and
beam or transmit the new targets to the other members in the group
so they can have immediate access to computed distances to the new
targets adjusted for current environmental conditions in real time
while they are playing the course. The beaming flowchart process is
shown in FIG. 12.
[0227] In order to further enhance the accuracy of this system, the
Lat/Lon adjustments for a specific area (including modeling as well
as current environmental analysis) can be periodically transmitted
to the handheld GPS device via satellite, wireless internet,
infrared beaming or other communications for the current date and
time. Again, unlike DGPS type corrections that apply just to your
current position, these adjustments are applied to all target
Lat/Lon values within a networked data set thereby retaining their
distance relationships between targets within the networked data
set.
[0228] In order to further enhance the usability of this system
this invention would allow the user to upload the target/avoidance
objects and points data that the user has surveyed to a central
processing computer via a PC and/or landline and/or wireless link.
The central processing computer would apply certain quality control
checks to the data and then make it available for download back to
the users PDA via the above channels. The tunable GPS parameters
specific to this course can also be inserted into the course
database to enable other golfers who use this course data to
automatically update their GPS with the tunable parameters for this
specific course. Once the central processor processed the data, it
would be available for other golfers to download by suitable
agreement. One embodiment of the present invention uses a website
that would provide a means for accomplishing this exchange of
data.
User Interface
[0229] Since the system of the present invention is a target-based
system rather than an image-based system, it provides a simplified
user interface to quickly determine distances to key targets as
shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a main
screen which contains and displays an accuracy potential percentage
(AP %) to provide the golfer with an indicator of the relative
accuracy of the distances displayed. In one aspect, the accuracy
potential percentage could be a percentage from 0-100% based on the
number of satellites used in the solution using a table lookup.
This value can be further enhanced by factoring in the Horizontal
Dilution of Precision (HDOP) or PDOP values which are an indication
of accuracy based on the current satellite geometry. Again a table
lookup could be used since lower values of HDOP or PDOP translate
to higher values of accuracy. Other factors could also be included
when computing the AP % such as the elevations and signal strengths
of the satellites used in computing the position solution.
[0230] Targets can easily be added beforehand or during play by
selecting from a list of common golf targets as shown in FIG. 19
and further describing the targets with additional text or by
selecting from lists of common golf descriptors as shown in FIG.
20. Recording a target's location is accomplished by standing at
the target, tapping on a target that has been added to the list on
the screen and then tapping the record target button as shown in
FIG. 21. A mark ball button is provided at the end of the target
list to allow the golfer to stand over the ball and tap the button
to record the current location of the ball as shown in FIG. 22 and
select the club used from a list of clubs tailored to what is
currently in the golfer's bag as shown in FIG. 23. Targets are
categorized to limit the list to targets of interest (e.g. Green
targets) as shown in FIG. 24. This simplified user interface makes
it practical for golfers to be able to easily setup and survey
their own courses without depending upon any additional equipment
or expertise.
SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT
[0231] In another aspect of the present invention provides a
compact, simplified and user friendly device and process to capture
real world geo-location data that is of interest to a user, analyze
that data and present it to a golfer in a useful and beneficial
manner. One example of the present invention is an electronic or
computerized device operating in conjunction with a global
positioning system (GPS) device that enables users to carryout out
a variety of functions relating to navigation, surveying, GPS
analysis, and GPS data error correction for golfing locations. Such
a device or apparatus can be a handheld personal digital assistant
(PDA) used with or connected to a GPS device to enable a golfer to,
among other functions, measure and display distances between a
golfer and an object on a golf course, obtain and process location
values for a desired point on a golf course, determine
environmental condition error correction factors, survey and/or
electronically input and record target and avoidance locations of a
golf course, and determine the relative elevation to selected
targets or objects. The PDA will typically have golfer-specific
integrated systems and applications software, and will be
electronically connected, via an appropriate communication link, to
a GPS receiver with tunable parameters.
[0232] Further, the PDA may comprise a computing environment where
files, data and information can be entered or recorded directly by
the golfer or downloaded to and uploaded from the PDA. For example,
existing or pre-surveyed data relating to various golf courses may
be downloaded from a central locations, e.g., an internet web-site,
to the PDA for use by a golfer prior to playing a golf course.
Also, the PDA can comprise a means for the golfer to interface with
the PDA, including a screen display where information and data can
be presented to the golfer and inputs user actuated keys, buttons,
and other user actuated input devices or components. Also, the
screen display can be a touch-input screen where a user may enter
data by touching the screen or using a mechanical or
electromechanical device to directly interact with the touch-input
screen.
Display of Golf Related Data
[0233] There is further provided an improved graphical method for
measuring and graphically or visually displaying distances between
a golfer or user and a target or object on a golf course,
displaying the elapsed time a golf player has been playing a hole
on the course and the cumulative total time elapsed, displaying
wind direction information on a golf course, and displaying
statistics of distance ranges for each golf club via a software
application running on an electronic or computerized device
connected to a global positioning system device. There is also
provided a novel and improved graphical method for displaying
multiple measured distances along a line of sight between a golfer
and an object or target on the golf course, and for rotating or
orienting a target or object on a display to coincide with a user's
perspective or line of sight.
[0234] In an embodiment of the invention, golf course graphics are
preferably displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other
user output screen on a GPS enabled PDA, integrated GPS unit, GPS
enabled cell phone or other electronic or computerized device able
to download GIS data and operative with a GPS unit. Those of skill
in the art will readily recognize that other real-time location
techniques may be used, including cell phone signal triangulation.
As technologies develop, GPS and other real-time location systems
will become more and more accurate. The golf course graphics
preferably comprise a green outline or topographical representation
of the green (shown in FIGS. 25-28). Those of skill in the art will
readily recognize that other golf course related graphics could
also be displayed, including a full representation of the hole and
associated features such as bunkers, water hazards, fairway
targets, etc. Further, geo-referenced high-resolution satellite or
aerial imagery may also be used as the display graphic. If the
graphic to be displayed is larger than the display screen on the
associated electronic or computerized device, the graphic may be
appropriately scaled and/or scrollable to present the graphical
information in a more user friendly manner.
[0235] On devices that use a touch screen display, the
representative target area or object may be tapped by the user in
order to select a position on the screen to derive the distance
from the user to a selected target or object. Also, a crosshair
cursor is preferably positioned on the screen at the point chosen
and tapped. Alternatively, on devices without a touch screen,
device keys, buttons or other input means may be used to move and
position a crosshair cursor on the graphics displayed on the screen
in order to select a target or object and determine the distance
from the user to the selected target or object. The distance to the
selected target or object is preferably derived and displayed on
the device screen display, based on GPS and GIS information
processed on the device.
[0236] As shown in FIGS. 25, 26A and 27A, in one case where an
outline for a green is displayed on the screen, the crosshair
cursor may be selectively positioned, moved or extended to
intersect the front and back boundaries of the green as viewed from
the golfer's current approach to the green. The terms user and
golfer can be used interchangeably with one another. The green
outline is preferably derived from a topographical representation
of a green or geo-referenced satellite image of the green area,
though other data and information may be used to create the green
outline. Based on GPS, GIS or other location data and information,
the distance from the user to the selected intersections of the
cursor across on the green outline and central crosshair location
is determined and displayed. In this manner, useful distance
information to selected front, back and center crosshair locations
on the green is calculated and displayed to the user. Those of
skill in the art will readily recognize that distances for other
multiply selectable targets or objects can also be determined and
multiply displayed to a user in a similar fashion. Further, those
of skill in the art will also appreciate that although FIGS. 25,
26A, 27A, 31A and 31B illustrate embodiments that preferably
display three multiple distances on the screen, more or less
distances could be displayed if desired by a user or golfer.
[0237] FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of a screen display, from
the user's perspective, of measured distances between a golfer
(user) and a green on a golf course along with a crosshair set
indicating distance to a center, front and back of the green. There
is shown a green outline, as viewed from the golfers approach to
the green, with the crosshair originally located at the center of
the green. The top and bottom numbers displayed correspond to the
distance from the handheld PDA/GPS device to the top and bottom
intersection points of the back and front of the green as
determined by the position of the crosshair. Further, the center
number is preferably the distance from the golfer to the center of
the green.
[0238] FIG. 26A illustrates the screen display of FIG. 25 where the
user has positioned or moved the crosshair set to a second position
corresponding to a target or object for which information is
desired by the user. For example, FIG. 26A could represent a screen
display of a green outline where the user has moved the crosshair
to the flag position on the green as estimated by the user or as
indicated on a zone sheet for the that day. In addition to the
distance to the current flag location, the golfer sees displayed
distance information of how far he must hit the ball to get onto
the green and the distance at which he would go over the green from
the point where he is standing, i.e., distances to the front and
back of the green.
[0239] FIG. 39 illustrates an embodiment of a green display similar
to that shown in FIG. 25 in which various features of the green are
also represented. In FIG. 39, for example, a dark line of a contour
indicates an upper ridge of a slope and shading shows the slope
area from the upper right portion of the green to the center
portion of the green. The bottom shaded areas on the left portions
of the green represent a false front where the green slopes down to
the edge of a green. A dark line generally represents the high
point of the edge of a slope, false front or top of a hogs back
(e.g. the top of a ridge sloping downward from both directions).
The shading may be set so that various colors or shades represent
different severities of slope, as in the case in FIG. 39 where the
shading of a false front is distinguished from the less severe
shading of a slope area on the green. In this case a yellow color,
for example, may represent the false to act as a warning to the
player, while a slope in the green may simply be represented as a
lighter shade of green than the flat portions of the green.
[0240] The interface shown in FIG. 39 may also provide additional
details regarding the green features as well. For example, the
interface may be configured to display distances from the user's
position to the edge of a false front or to the edge of a slope of
the green. Moreover, as noted above, the cursor on the display may
be manually moved by the user so that the crosshairs directly
intersect a point of interest on the green based on the displayed
green features. As noted above, the dark line may represent the
high point of a slope. Thus the severity of the slope may be
indicated by shading or coloring the slopes differently based on
severity. Additionally, the green features may be annotated with
icons representing the direction of slopes on the green. For
example, the false fronts shown in FIG. 39 may include arrows
indicating that the slope falls off towards the front of the green,
and the slope in the middle of the green may also include arrows
indicating that the slope is directed from the back to the front of
the green. The arrows or other indicators used to indicate the
direction of the slope may also be customized to indicate the
severity of the slope. For example, the indicators may be long
arrows representing a severe slope, or short arrows representing a
less severe slope. There also may be more indicators placed closely
together representing a severe slope, while indicators places
further apart may indicate a less severe slope. The colors of the
indicators may also be made different to indicate the severity of
the contours of the green. Instead of arrows or colors, different
patterns or textures (e.g. fill patterns) may also be displayed to
indicate a contour on the green. Moreover, the fill pattern may
also indicate a direction and/or severity of the contour. For
example, a flat portion of the green may be displayed using a solid
texture, while the slopes or contours may be represented using a
cross-hatched pattern, thus differentiating the contoured area of
the green from the flatter portions of the green. When a fill
pattern is used, the density of this pattern, for example, may be
used to indicate the severity of the contour, while the direction
of the pattern may indicate the direction of the slope. As noted
above, a solid line may also be used with the fill pattern to
indicate a highest peak of a contour, while the direction and
severity of the contour may be indicated by the fill pattern used
to indicate the contour itself.
[0241] FIG. 26B illustrates an embodiment of a preferred method or
process to implement determination of the crosshair distances from
the golfer's perspective in a handheld PDA with a GPS device or
unit having a graphics display screen where an X pixel position
increases from left to right and a Y pixel position increases from
top to bottom.
[0242] In Step A, the Golfer loads the unit's memory with a
pre-defined green outline and/or outline of other objects and the
center location of the green. The green outline points can be (a) a
set of latitude and longitude pairs for each point on the outline
that are to be connected by lines; (b) a graphics image that has
been geo-referenced, e.g. the latitude and longitude of at least 2
pixels are given; or (c) a series of x,y pixel locations to be
connected by lines with the latitude and longitude of the center of
the object provided along with the object's orientation from due
north and a scale factor used. In a preferred method, the green
outline points are a series of x,y pixels as described in (c)
above. Alternatively green outline point forms (a) or (b) could be
used, and would have to be converted to form (c) before performing
the following steps.
[0243] In Step B, the golfer takes the unit to a golf course, turns
it on and selects a hole to begin play. In Step C, the outline of
the object could be displayed before a GPS position fix is obtained
by either displaying the image oriented due north or with the front
of the green or object at the bottom of the screen. In Step D, when
the GPS device obtains a position fix, the green or object is
redrawn, oriented such that it is displayed as seen from the
golfers line of sight to the green or object.
[0244] In Step E, the crosshair set can be drawn on the screen and
distances computed and displayed preferably as follows:
[0245] In Step E1, the crosshair set is positioned by the user at
an initial location on the screen. This could be either the center
of the screen or a point that represents the center of green. If
the center of the green is used as the initial position of the
crosshair, the center of the green's latitude and longitude must be
converted to an XY graphics point. The latitude and longitude of
the center of the green target will be converted to an XY graphics
point on the screen.
[0246] In Step E1a, a golfer's line of sight angle of approach is
determined, preferably by the following calculations:
GX=(GLon-LonCenter)*YdsPerLon*LonScale
GY=(GLat-LatCenter)*YdsPerLat*LatScale
GA=atan(GY/GX)
where:
[0247] GA=user's line of sight angle to center of screen
[0248] GX=number of pixels from center in x direction of the
golfer's position
[0249] GY=number of pixels from center in y direction of the
golfer's position
[0250] GLon=longitude of golfer's position
[0251] GLat=latitude of golfer's position
[0252] LonCenter=longitude of center of screen
[0253] LatCenter=latitude of center of screen
[0254] YdsPerLon=yards per longitude at the golf course
[0255] YdsPerLat=yards per latitude at the golf course
[0256] LonScale=longitude scale factor used to fit green onto the
display, and
[0257] LatScale=latitude scale factor used to fit green onto the
display.
[0258] Step E1b is used to determine the X & Y pixel position
of the center of green from the center of screen, preferably by the
following calculations:
X1=(CLon-LonCenter)*YdsPerLon*LonScale
Y1=(CLat-LatCenter)*YdsPerLat*LatScale
X2=X1*cos(-GA)-Y1*sin(GA)
Y2=X1*sin(-GA)+Y1*cos(GA)
CX=Xcenter+X2
CY=Ycenter-Y2
where values are same as in Step E1a above and:
[0259] CX=x pixel position for the crosshair center
[0260] CY=y pixel position for the crosshair center
[0261] X1,X2=intermediate X values
[0262] Y1,Y2=intermediate Y values
[0263] CLon=longitude of center of green
[0264] CLat=latitude of center of green
[0265] Xcenter=x pixel position of center of screen, and
[0266] Ycenter=y pixel position of center of screen.
[0267] In Step E2, the latitude and longitude of the top and bottom
intersection points is determined. This requires scanning for the
intersection of the crosshair vertical line with the top and bottom
edge of the green and converting those XY points to latitude and
longitude values as follows:
[0268] In Step E2a, the image of the green is displayed on the
screen. In step E2b, starting at the current X & Y position of
the center of the crosshair, scan the image upward until the top
edge of the green is found, e.g. in the case of a green outline on
a black and white screen, it is the point at which the pixels
change from white to black. Then, starting at the X & Y
position of the center of the crosshair, scan the image downward
until the bottom edge of the green is found, in the case of a green
outline on a black and white screen, it is the point at which the
pixels change from white to black.
[0269] In Step E2c, the X & Y positions are preferably
converted to latitude and longitude via the following
calculation:
X1=(X-Xcenter)
Y1=(Y-Ycenter)
X2=X1*cos(-GA)-Y1*sin(-GA)
Y2=X1*sin(-GA)+Y1*cos(-GA)
ILon=(X2/LonScale/YdsPerLon)+LonCenter
ILat=(Y2/LatScale/YdsPerLat)+LatCenter
where symbols that are the same as in E1b above have the same
meaning and:
[0270] X1=x pixel location of intersection point
[0271] Y1=y pixel location of intersection point
[0272] ILon=longitude of intersection point or crosshair center,
and
[0273] ILat=latitude of intersection point or crosshair center.
[0274] In Step E2d, the crosshair set is preferably drawn on top of
the green image with extended vertical lines up and down, and an
arrowhead at the top to indicate the golfer's line of sight
direction, as shown in FIG. 25.
[0275] In Step E3, the distances to the center, top and bottom
points on the green are computed and displayed on the screen. Using
the latitude and longitude values computed above, the following
preferred calculations are performed to determine the image
intersection points and center of the crosshair:
X1=(ILon-LonCenter)*YdsPerLon
Y1=(ILat-LatCenter)*YdsPerLat
D=sqrt(X1*X1+Y1*Y1)
Where values are same as in E2c above and: D=distance in yards from
golfer to the point.
[0276] In Step E4, if the golfer moves the crosshair on the screen
or touches a different point on the green, then the screen is
redrawn and a new distance is computed, preferably as follows:
[0277] In Step E4a, a new X & Y pixel location of the crosshair
is preferably obtained after the crosshair has been moved or after
the golfer has touched the screen, as follows:
[0278] CX=x value of new crosshair center
[0279] CY=y value of new crosshair center
[0280] In Step E4b, new latitude and longitude values of the top
and bottom intersection points on the green image are determined as
previously described in Step E2 above. In Step E4c, the distances
to the center, top and bottom points are computed and displayed on
the screen as described in Step E3 above.
[0281] If the golfer moves to a new location, then step E1 a is
performed before repeating Step E4 in order to adjust for the new
angle of approach by the user to the green. Further, each point of
the green outline should also preferably be rotated based on the
new angle of approach to display the green outline as viewed from
the golfer's new position as shown in FIG. 2. Otherwise, if the
golfer skips Step E1b, then the crosshair will be left at the same
point on the green where the golfer had previously positioned it
rather than resetting it back to the center of green for the
rotated green image.
[0282] An alternate embodiment of the present invention relating to
the crosshair involves rotating the crosshair rather than the
object or target to indicate the golfers approach angle to the
object. The object would always be drawn in a standard orientation
but the crosshair would be redrawn on the object in the direction
that a golfers ball would ideally travel if hit straight toward the
object. The same rotation formulae, as previously described in
Steps E, would be used and applied to the crosshair rather than the
object. For example, if the Golfer hit to the left of the green,
the crosshair would appear to be drawn on the screen from left to
right at an angle based on the Golfer's angle of approach to the
green. The intersection points would be calculated and determined
in a manner similar to that described previously by following the
line out from the crosshair center to the points where it
intersects the edges of the object. The latitude and longitude of
these points would be determined and used to compute the distances
displayed.
[0283] FIG. 27A illustrates a rotated image of the screen display
of FIGS. 25 and 26A to show an actual and correct line of sight
view, or perspective, for a user who has hit a ball to the left of
the green. The green image is preferably rotated so that the golfer
sees the image of the green oriented to his new actual line of
sight view, or perspective, to the green due to the erroneous hit
to the left of the green. The center of the crosshair is at the
same point on the green as in the prior figure, but the top and
bottom distance numbers now automatically reflect the target range
the golfer must keep the ball within to be on the green, in this
case 154 and 172 yards. Those of skill in the art will readily
recognize that any displayed image, target or object may be
similarly rotated or oriented such that the displayed image, object
or target coincides with a user's perspective or line of sight.
[0284] Because of the GPS, or other real-time location information
being processed on the unit, the unit always "knows" the vector to
the selected target or object. The unit can then rotate the
graphics on the screen to preferably display the target from the
user's perspective, thus the distances are always relative to the
user's line of sight and are automatically updated as the user's
position physically changes in relation to the target or object
area.
[0285] FIG. 27B illustrates an embodiment of a preferred method or
process to rotate an object's outline to reflect the golfer's
perspective in a unit with a graphics screen where the X pixel
position increases from left to right and the Y pixel position
increases from top to bottom.
[0286] In Step A relating to FIG. 27A, the Golfer loads the unit's
memory with a pre-defined green outline and/or outline of other
objects. The green's outline points can be (a) a set of latitude
and longitude pairs for each point on the outline that are to be
connected by lines; (b) a graphics image that has been
geo-referenced, e.g., the latitude and longitude of at least 2
pixels are given; (c) a series of x,y pixel locations to be
connected by lines with the latitude and longitude of the center of
the object provided along with the object's orientation from due
north and the scale factor used. In a preferred method, the green
outline points are a series of x,y pixels as described in (c)
above. Alternatively green outline points forms (a) or (b) could be
used, and would have to be converted to form (c) before proceeding
to perform the following steps.
[0287] In Step B relating to FIG. 27A, the golfer takes the unit to
a golf course, turns it on and selects a hole to begin play. In
Step C, the outline of the object could be displayed before a GPS
position fix is obtained by either displaying the image oriented
due north or with the front of the green or an object at the bottom
of the screen. In Step D, when the GPS device obtains a position
fix, the green or object should be redrawn, oriented such that it
is displayed as seen from the golfers line of sight to the green or
object, preferably as follows:
[0288] In Step D1, the latitude and longitude of each point of the
green outline are converted to XY points on the screen. In Step
D1a, the golfer's line of sight angle of approach is preferably
determined as follows:
GX=(GLon-LonCenter)*YdsPerLon*LonScale
GY=(GLat-LatCenter)*YdsPerLat*LatScale
GA=atan(GY/GX)
[0289] where:
[0290] GA=user's line of sight angle to center of screen
[0291] GX=number of pixels from center in x direction of the
golfer's position
[0292] GY=number of pixels from center in y direction of the
golfer's position
[0293] GLon=longitude of golfer's position
[0294] GLat=latitude of golfer's position
[0295] LonCenter=longitude of center of screen
[0296] LatCenter=latitude of center of screen
[0297] YdsPerLon=yards per longitude at the golf course
[0298] YdsPerLat=yards per latitude at the golf course
[0299] LonScale=longitude scale factor used to fit green onto the
display, and
[0300] LatScale=latitude scale factor used to fit green onto the
display.
[0301] In Step D1b, the X & Y pixel position of an outline
point is determined or calculated as follows:
X1=(OLon-LonCenter)*YdsPerLon*LonScale
Y1=(OLat-LatCenter)*YdsPerLat*LatScale
X2=X1*cos(GA)-Y1*sin(GA)
Y2=X1*sin(GA)+Y1*cos(GA)
CX=Xcenter+X2
CY=Ycenter-Y2
[0302] where values are same as in Step D1a above and:
[0303] CX=x pixel position for the outline point
[0304] CY=y pixel position for the outline point
[0305] X1,X2=intermediate X values
[0306] Y1,Y2=intermediate Y values
[0307] OLon=longitude of outline point
[0308] OLat=latitude of outline point
[0309] Xcenter=x pixel position of center of screen, and
[0310] Ycenter=y pixel position of center of screen.
[0311] If the golfer moves to a new location, Step D1a should be
performed to compute the change in the user's angle of approach to
the object or target. If the change to a new location is more that
a pre-set value, then Step D1b is also performed to redraw the
green outline from the golfer's new angle. If a small position
change is used, e.g., less than a degree, the target or object will
be redrawn often on the display screen by the system. This can be
distracting to a user. Using a practical change of degrees, e.g.,
at least 5 degrees, will reduce the number of redraws and diminish
distractions to the golfer. As the golfer gets closer to the green,
the redraw function should preferably be inhibited in order to keep
screen redraws to a minimum, especially as the unit reaches the
singularity point. In a preferred embodiment, a practical value of
several yards, e.g. 20 yards, from the center is used to inhibit
redraws. However, lesser or greater values could be used.
[0312] The change in angle is preferably determined as follows:
[0313] First, the golfer's new line of sight angle to center of
screen is computed by performing Step D1a, where NA=New line of
sight angle. Then, determine the change in angle and then compare
to a pre-set value as follows:
A1=abs(GA-NA)
[0314] If(A1)>DA then redraw the green outline
[0315] where
[0316] GA=Golfer's original line of sight angle
[0317] DA=Pre defined delta angle value used to trigger a redraw,
and
[0318] A1=intermediate angle value.
[0319] As noted above, the same processing applied to the green
view feature may also be applied to other hazards or landmarks on
the course. Such a configuration may be used to map out a specific
hole on a course, as depicted in FIGS. 40-41.
[0320] FIGS. 40-41 further elaborate on the Target Outlines feature
depicted in FIG. 35 and described at p. 23. As disclosed above,
targets can be target outlines consisting of a series of
Lat/Lon/Alt points. The target outline could be the outline of the
green, a bunker, a water hazard, etc. The distance from the golfer
to any point on the target outline can be computed in the same
manner as already described when computing the distance from the
golfer to a single target point, or to various points on a green.
Distances to significant points along the outline (e.g. front/back
as viewed from the golfer's current position) that have been
adjusted for differences in environmental conditions can be
displayed on a graphics screen displaying the outline, or to any
point along or within the outline that the golfer indicates (e.g.
by touching a point along the outline).
[0321] Target outlines of one or more holes can also be displayed
on one or more display screens along with the current position of
the golfer as he drives or walks along the course and stops next to
his golf ball. Distances to targets from his ball position and how
far the ball was hit can also be calculated, displayed and viewed
by the golfer. FIG. 35 illustrates an example of a screen display
showing a hole view of all targets, the golfer's current position,
calculated distance to the green, i.e., 206 yards, and calculated
distance the golf ball was hit by the golfer, i.e., 166 yards.
[0322] FIG. 40 depicts a series of screenshots in which a virtual
shot path has been overlaid with target icons of a specific hole.
This embodiment shows a representation of a virtual shot path on
the hole, as well as a green, and a plurality of icons representing
bunkers, water hazards, out of bounds areas, etc. The virtual shot
path, which may have been previously uploaded to the device or
input by a user of the device, indicates a distance, i.e., 237
yards, to a predetermined ideal landing area on the fairway, a
remaining distance to the hole from the landing area, i.e., 175
yards, and a total distance from the user to the center of the
green, i.e. 408 yards. On the right side of the representation a
plurality of icons are provided, which represent fairway bunkers,
and on the left side of the representation an icon is provided,
which corresponds to a water hazard, for example. Various features
of the hole may be similarly represented to a user by providing
different colored, shaded and/or patterned icons, as noted
above.
[0323] In the interface shown in FIG. 40 a user may also adjust the
identified landing area, i.e., "FwTgt" by using a cursor or other
pointing device to move the identified landing area in any
direction. When the user adjusts the landing area, the distance
from the user to the landing area and the distance from the new
landing area to the green will be updated and displayed to the
user.
[0324] FIG. 41 depicts a screenshot in which an photographic image
of the hole, or a detailed graphical representation of the hole,
which has been previously loaded into the device, is presented to a
user. This interface displays a virtual shot path in a manner
similar to that disclosed above with reference to FIG. 40, but
provides more detailed information along the virtual shot path.
More particularly, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 40 shows a
representation of a virtual shot path, as well as various icons
representing features along the virtual shot path along the way to
the green. The representation in FIG. 41, on the other hand,
displays a graphical representation of the hole including an
outline of a fairway, and detailed graphical representation
corresponding to features on the hole in order to display distances
to the front of the features, distances to clear the features, etc.
relative to the virtual shot path.
[0325] As discussed above, the various features of a golf hole may
be mapped in a manner similar to the process used to generate the
green map. The outline of features such as a bunker, water hazard,
waste area, out of bounds, etc. is preferably derived from a
topographical representation of the feature or geo-referenced
satellite image of the feature area, though other data and
information may be used to create the feature outline. Based on
GPS, GIS or other location data and information, the distance from
the user to the selected intersections of the shot path(s) across
on the outlines and central crosshair location is determined and
displayed. In this manner, useful distance information to selected
front and back locations of the various outlined hole features are
displayed to the user.
[0326] In the example shown in FIG. 41 the interface displays a
virtual shot path from the tee box area to a landing area
represented by a light colored dot, and onward to an estimated
location of the center of the green or an area of the green
selected by the user (i.e. point of interest on the green). In this
example, the target area may represent the current location of the
user after the user has already played a shot to that location, or
an intended target location for a subsequent shot from the user's
current location. From this target area, a virtual path is
displayed to the point of interest on the green, and relevant
yardages based on the feature outlines are displayed to the user.
In the example shown in FIG. 41, the virtual path extends from the
tee box to the target location (i.e. current user location, or
target location of a subsequent shot), and then from the target
location to the point of interest on the green. Between the target
location and the point of interest on the green, a plurality of
intermediate yardages are presented to a user based on an
intersection between the virtual shot path and features of the hole
that have been previously outlined. In the specific example shown
in FIG. 41, the virtual shot path extends from the target area over
a bunker to the point of interest on the green. Thus, a distance
from the tee to the target area may be displayed, a distance from
the target location to the front of the bunker may be displayed, a
distance from the target location to clear the bunker (i.e. to the
back of the bunker) may be displayed, a distance from the target
area to the front of the green (from the perspective of the virtual
shot path) may be displayed, and a distance from the target area to
the point of interest on the green may be displayed. As noted
above, the outlines of each of the features on the course may be
mapped. Thus, when plural features, e.g. water hazard, waste area,
out of bounds, etc. exist between the target area and the point of
interest on the green, similar yardages may be provided to the
front and back of each of these features from the target area.
[0327] It should be noted that one or more landing areas may be
displayed on a single hole. For example, on a par 5 there may be
target landing areas displayed for each of a tee shot landing area
and the targeted landing area for a layup shot, and the virtual
shot path would connect these target areas with a shot path
extending from the tee box through each of the landing areas to the
point of interest on the green. In this case, yardages to the
features along the duration of the shot path, i.e. connecting the
tee area to each of the shot paths through to the point of interest
on the green, may be displayed to a user. Additionally, a user may
control a location of any of the targeted areas displayed on the
device, thus altering the virtual shot path displayed on the
device. The display would then be updated to reflect the changes to
the virtual shot path by updating yardages, and adding or removing
any features newly intersecting or no longer intersecting the
virtual shot path. As noted above, the point of interest on the
green may correspond to an estimated position of the center of the
green, or may also be moved by the user to correspond to any other
target point on the green.
[0328] Additionally, the perspectives of the hole representations
and virtual shot paths described with reference to FIGS. 40 and 41
may be displayed from a birds-eye view directly above the hole, or
from an elevated three-dimensional perspective from behind the
user.
[0329] FIG. 28 illustrates a preferred graphical display indicator
to provide an indication of wind direction relative to the user and
a target or object. The wind direction displayed indicates the
relative direction of the wind as viewed from a golfer's approach
to the green. As the green image is rotated on the display to show
the green image oriented to the golfer's line of sight view of the
target or object, the wind indicator will also be rotated to
reflect the prevailing wind direction for the day relative to the
golfer's current approach to the green. Further, FIG. 29A shows a
screen display by which a golfer can perform a method to enter and
set the prevailing wind direction and wind speed for display on the
unit.
[0330] The user may enter the prevailing wind direction and speed
into the system prior to play. Once wind information is entered
into the system, a wind indicator graphic is preferably displayed
on the screen. Based on the GPS or other position location device
information, a vector from the user to the target or object is
calculated. Once the vector is calculated, the wind direction
vector is plotted on the display screen. This wind indicator
display will provide the user with a visual indication of the
prevailing direction of the wind as it relates to his position
relative to the target or object. Further, in an alternative
embodiment, a solid-state wind direction sensor may be integrated
with the handheld unit PDA/GPS device to provide real-time wind and
velocity information that is then calculated as a vector as it
relates to the user and target or object.
[0331] FIG. 29B illustrates an embodiment of a preferred method or
process to display prevailing wind direction on a screen display as
shown in FIGS. 28 and 29A. In Step A relating to FIGS. 28 and 29A,
the golfer loads the unit's memory with a pre-defined green outline
and/or outline of other objects, and the center of the green. The
green's outline points can be (a) a set of latitude and longitude
pairs for each point on the outline that are to be connected by
lines; (b) a graphics image that has been geo-referenced, e.g., the
latitude and longitude of at least 2 pixels are given; (c) a series
of x,y pixel locations to be connected by lines with the latitude
and longitude of the center of the object provided along with the
object's orientation from due north and the scale factor used. In a
preferred method, the green outline points are a series of x,y
pixels as described in (c) above. Alternatively green outline
points forms (a) or (b) could be used, and would have to be
converted to form (c) before proceeding to perform the following
steps.
[0332] In Step B, the golfer obtains the prevailing wind direction
and speed for the day. This can be done either before going to the
golf course or at the golf course or in any other suitable
manner.
[0333] In Step C, the golfer takes the unit to a golf course, turns
it on and presses a key or button on the device or selects a menu
item that enables him to enter the prevailing wind direction and
speed for the day, as shown in FIG. 29A. Typically, the golfer
enters the direction from which the wind is coming. The golfer then
selects a hole to begin play in Step D.
[0334] In Step E, the outline of the object is displayed before a
GPS position fix is obtained by either displaying the image
oriented due north or with the front of the green or object at the
bottom of the screen. When the GPS obtains a position fix, the
green or object is redrawn oriented such that it is displayed as
seen from the golfer's line of sight.
[0335] In Step F, after the image is drawn, the wind direction
indicator can be drawn indicating or displaying the direction in
which the wind is blowing as follows:
[0336] First, the golfer's line of sight angle of approach, GA, is
determined as described in Step E1 a of FIG. 26B. Then, the current
prevailing wind direction is obtained. If the prevailing wind
direction is obtained by the golfer using the screen depicted in
FIG. 29A, the following calculation is used:
WA=45*DI
[0337] Where:
[0338] WA=current prevailing wind angle
[0339] DI=directional indicator chosen by golfer (O.dbd.N, 1=NE,
2=E . . . 7=NW)
[0340] Finally, an arrow or symbol rotated from due north is
displayed using the following angle calculation:
AA=GA-WA
[0341] Where AA=arrow angle with 0 preferably being straight up, 45
to the right, etc. Other mapping parameters may be used. Further,
for practical purposes, AA could be limited to a preferred set of
angles in order to use a predefined graphics indicator for each
angle, e.g., 10 degrees, 20 degrees, etc. Further, any other
symbols could be used to convey the wind direction.
[0342] In Step G, any time the image is redrawn on the screen due
to a change in the golfers position, the wind direction indicator
is preferably redrawn as described in Step F.
[0343] FIG. 30A shows an embodiment of a text display of a pace of
play timer to inform the golfer of the golfer's pace relative to a
normal pace of play for a particular golf hole. FIG. 30B shows an
embodiment of a graphical display of a pace of play timer to inform
the golfer of the golfer's pace relative to a normal pace of play
for a particular golf hole. The displayed pace of play informs the
golfer of the amount of time ahead or behind a normal pace of play.
FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate two preferred methods of displaying
the pace of play that the golfer can easily use to determine if he
is ahead or behind the normal, average, or course designated pace
based on his general current position on the hole. For example,
FIGS. 30A and 30B indicate that if the golfer is at the TEE, he is
over the normal pace of play by 2 minutes. If he is in the Fairway,
he is under by 3 minutes, and if he is at the green, he is under by
8 minutes.
[0344] This display feature and method is advantageous since one
significant and recurring problem on golf courses is the pace of
play of persons or groups. The text and/or graphic pace of play
timer function/display of FIGS. 30A and 30B allow the user to
quickly and easily see if he is ahead of or behind the statistical
time allocated for play on a particular hole and also cumulatively
on the set of holes that he has already played. The pace of play
statistics can be downloaded from a course database to the PDA/GPS
device. Once the unit is started, the timing information is
preferably derived either from an onboard device clock or the GPS
signal. The user may start the timer when he tees off from the
first hole played or the system can start the timer automatically
when the user passes a pre-determined radius to the green of the
first hole played. Once the timer is started it can display a text
and/or graphical representation of the elapsed time compared to the
allocated time for the respective hole. This information is
accumulated to show how far ahead or behind the allocated time the
user is for the total holes already played. Both the individual
hole timer information and the cumulative timer information can be
displayed as text and/or a variable size graphical bar that the
user may glance at and intuitively know his status as to his pace
of play, as shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B. To further assist the
golfer, three times can be displayed indicating the time at the
tee, in the middle of the fairway and at the green. The golfer can
thus easily determine which time is applicable to his current
situation and have a feel of how long it should take to finish out
the hole.
[0345] FIGS. 30A and 30B show a preferred screen display showing
the pace of play that the golfer can easily determine if he is
ahead or behind the normal pace based on his general current
location on the hole. The negative values indicate the golfer is
under the normal pace of play and positive values indicate the
golfer is over of the normal pace of play.
[0346] FIG. 30C illustrates an embodiment of a preferred method or
process to display pace of play information as shown in FIGS. 30A
and 30B. In Step A, the golfer loads the handheld unit's memory
with pre-defined pace of play data, e.g., golf course pace of play
data. This information could include, but is not limited to, the
expected normal time spent on the tee, fairway and green of each
hole, as well as, the normal time spent between each hole. In Step
B, the golfer takes the unit to a golf course, turns it on and
selects a hole to begin play. In Step C, the golfer elects to
display the pace of play information by pressing the appropriate
keys or button on the unit in the appropriate menus.
[0347] In Step D, the pace of play display values are computed and
displayed as follows:
TP=(Tcurrent-Tstart)-TeePace-Sum[all prior holes HolePace]
FP=(Tcurrent-Tstart)-FairwayPace-TeePace-Sum(all prior holes
HolePace)
GP=(Tcurrent-Tstart)-GreenPace-FairwayPace-TeePace-Sum[all prior
holes HolePace]
[0348] Where
[0349] TP=time under or over normal pace of play at the Tee
[0350] FP=time under or over normal pace of play in the Fairway
[0351] GP=time under or over normal pace of play at the Green
[0352] Tcurrent=current time
[0353] Tstart=time golfer started at first tee
[0354] TeePace=pre-defined normal time on Tee for current hole
[0355] FairwayPace=pre-defined normal time on Fairway for current
hole
[0356] GreenPace=pre-defined normal time on Green for current
hole
[0357] MovePace=pre-defined normal time to move from current hole
to next hole
[0358] HolePace=pre-defined normal time on current hole
(HolePace=TeePace+FairwayPace+GreenPace+MovePace).
[0359] The golfer can then look at the numbers displayed and
observe the time that is applicable to his current situation, i.e.,
if on the TEE the golfer references the TEE, TP or T number, if on
the fairway he references the FAIRWAY, FP or F number, and if on
the green he references the GREEN, GP or G number, shown in FIGS.
30A and 30B. In Step F, if the golfer presses the appropriate
button, key or selects a menu item to view the pace of play feature
for just the current hole, the same calculations and steps in Step
D above would be used with "Sum[all prior holes HolePace]" left out
of the calculations in the GP equation/calculation and Tstart is
the time at which he began play on the current hole (e.g., advanced
the display to the next hole).
[0360] Further, in another embodiment, the positive and negative
values shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B can be reversed if positive
values are to indicate the amount of time the golfer is ahead of
the normal pace of play and negative values the amount of time
behind pace of play. Moreover, due to typical delays in starting
the first hole on a golf course, an alternate method for setting
the start time could be to adjust the start time after finishing
the first hole to the normal time to play the first hole. In this
manner, unavoidable initial delays in teeing off at the first hole
are ignored.
[0361] FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate another embodiment of the
screen displays of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
user can enter or the system can calculate an average or
statistical range of distances that the user hits a ball with a
club. This statistical club range information can show the minimum,
mean and maximum distance the user hits a ball with a particular
club. Data for each club in the golfer's bag can be entered
directly into the unit, or obtained from an outside source and
loaded into the unit. The data should preferably include the
minimum, maximum and mean distances for each club. This information
may be displayed graphically on the screen as a series of club
distance ranges with an intersecting line showing the distance to
the target relative to the statistical club ranges, as shown in
FIGS. 31A and 31B.
[0362] FIGS. 31A and 31B show the results of a preferred method of
displaying club statistical information in such a manner to allow
the individual golfer to judgmentally select the best club, taking
into account playing conditions such as wind and ball lie, in
contrast to attempting to recommend a specific club that the golfer
should use. The unit preferably does not suggest any one particular
club for use by the user, but presents to the user graphical
distance range statistics for certain clubs relative to the target
or object distance. If the golfer is on an uphill lie or hitting
into the wind, the golfer may choose the club with a distance
slightly longer than the target distance. Likewise, if the golfer
is on a downhill lie or the wind is behind him, the golfer may
choose the club with a distance slightly shorter than the target
distance.
[0363] FIG. 31A illustrates a preferred graphical method of
displaying club ranges compared to the distance to a selected
target. The three numbers on the left of the screen represent the
upper and lower yardage distance of the displayed chart. The middle
number is the distance to the selected target or object. The
vertical bars represent the range from minimum to maximum distance
the golfer statistically hits each of the clubs shown. The dash in
the middle of each vertical bar indicates the mean distance hit
with that club by the golfer. In a preferred embodiment, to view
other club possibilities the chart can be scrolled left or right.
This feature is shown in FIG. 31B, where the screen has been
scrolled and the display shows information for a number 4 wood (4W)
club, and the information for the seven iron (7I) has scrolled out
of view.
[0364] Once the golfer selects a target of interest, the unit or
device can scan the internal database for the club ranges that are
closest to the target distance. These clubs would then be displayed
on the screen with a bar drawn between the minimum and maximum
distance for each club. A short line would be drawn through the bar
to indicate the mean distance for that club as shown in FIGS. 31A
and 31B. The number of clubs shown on the screen depends upon the
screen size and resolution. Scrolling to the right or left could
display additional club ranges as shown in FIG. 31B. The maximum
and minimum distance of the chart could be automatically adjusted
to include the maximum and minimum distance of all the clubs
currently being displayed. Alternately, the maximum and minimum
distance of the chart could be a fixed range from the target
distance and the bars clipped if they are outside the range of the
chart. The scale could also be automatically expanded or reduced
depending upon the target distance, i.e., a longer target distance
would result in a wider distance range for the minimum and maximum
values of the chart.
[0365] FIG. 31C illustrates an embodiment of a preferred method or
process to display club ranges compared to the distance to a
selected target as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B. In Step 1, the
golfer selects the target of interest. In Step 2, the device
computes the distance from the golfer's current location to the
target. In Step 3, the device scans the internal club range
database for clubs that are closest to this distance. Options for
this selection process include, but are not limited to, selecting
clubs based on minimum values, selecting clubs based on maximum
values, selecting clubs based on mean values, etc.
[0366] In Step 4, minimum and maximum chart distances are then
computed. Again, options for selecting the minimum and maximum
chart distances include, but are not limited to, using the minimum
and maximum values of the selected clubs, using the mean values of
the selected clubs, using a factor to compute the range based on
the target distance, etc.
[0367] In Step 5, for each club to be displayed, a bar is drawn
from its minimum value to its maximum value on the chart, clipping
any values that extend beyond the range of the chart. Also a short
line is drawn through the bar at its mean value and a club
identifier is preferably displayed below the chart underneath its
bar. The club identifier could be located at other positions on the
screen display.
[0368] In Step 6, the chart maximum and minimum distances and the
target distance are preferably displayed to the side of the chart
and a line is drawn through the middle of the chart to indicate the
target distance. Again, those skilled in the art will readily see
that other locations and indicators could be used.
[0369] Alternatively, the chart could also be drawn with horizontal
bars rather than vertical bars, as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, with
distances shown across the bottom instead of the side. The same
technique could be used with other statistical summarization
methods other than minimum, maximum and mean values as well, e.g.,
entering a single distance for a club and using two standard
deviations to compute the minimum and maximum values instead of
using actual min/max values.
[0370] Further, the personal golfing assistant system is not
required to collect club statistics in order to make use of the
club range function. However, an alternate way of obtaining this
data would be to go to a driving range and hit a number of balls
with each club to determine the minimum, maximum and mean distances
hit within a specified standard deviation, e.g., two standard
deviations. After hitting a set of balls with a club, the golfer
could enter the club into the unit or device and mark the point at
which all the balls were hit. With permission from the driving
range, he could then go and mark where each ball landed.
[0371] The distance of each ball could then be computed and saved.
When all balls for that club were marked, the device could compute
the mean, minimum and maximum values, discarding any values outside
of two standard deviations, and save the results for that club. The
saved results could then be used to generate graphical
representations of statistical club distance ranges for a golfer
similar to those of FIGS. 31A and 31B.
[0372] FIG. 32A shows a screen display of the distance to a target
or object using large graphic numbers for easy viewing.
Additionally, FIG. 32B shows a screen display of the distance a
ball was hit using large graphic numbers for easy viewing. This is
an advantageous feature, as often a golfer may only be interested
in the distance to a certain standard target such as the center of
the green or a pre-defined zone on the green. In this case the
distance to that target may be graphically represented as a large
number that is easily read and fills the screen area. This number
is updated as the user's distance to the referenced target changes
so that the user will always be able to glance at the screen and
have that data easily available. This would be applicable to
selected target distances, as well as the distance the user has hit
his ball. The unit determines the desired information and presents
it to the golfer on the screen display in an easy to view manner of
large characters.
[0373] FIG. 33 shows an embodiment of a software state diagram that
can be implemented in application software to accomplish the
various display functions depicted in FIGS. 25-32B. In this manner,
graphic display of distance, elapsed time, statistics and other
golf related information can be carried out on an electronic or
computerized device connected to a global positioning system
device. The electronic or computerized device can be a handheld PDA
with a GPS device, a wireless enabled PDA, cellular telephone or
similar device.
Collection, Processing and Distribution of Golf Related Data
[0374] The present invention is further directed to a method for
the collecting, uploading, processing, distributing and downloading
of golf course data and information, such as geographic information
services (GIS) data. In one aspect, the data is uploaded to a
server computer with an associated storage medium, e.g., a
database, accessible via the Internet or other user accessible
network. The method for collecting and distributing golf-course map
data can involve generating golf course map or survey data, for
example, by manual surveying and storage of data by a golfer using
a handheld PDA with an associated GPS unit. The surveyed golf
course data can golf play data such as the layout of each hole, the
distance to each cup, the layout of each green, the position and
outline of each bunker, the position of each water hazards, etc.
Alternatively, a golfer may also create golf course data or maps by
modifying exiting golf course data to coincide with present golf
course conditions that may differ from the original recording of
previous golf course data.
[0375] The golf course data can then be uploaded and stored at a
central location such as a server with associated data or database
storage. The uploaded information may be sent via packet
communication or any known communications format or protocol, e.g.,
TCP/IP. The server is preferably accessible via an Internet webpage
for subsequent downloading by authorized users. The uploaded data
can be processed such that the information is later available to
authorized users in a predetermined format. The stored golf course
data can be indexed, processed and/or arranged by a designated
server, such as a database server.
[0376] Authorized users can subsequently access the network of a
golf course data provider. This can be accomplished though a
personal computer, or via a PDA having a GPS functionality via an
Internet webpage/homepage or other public network access point to
access desired golf course data. Golf course data uploaded and
stored on servers of golf course data providers can then be
downloaded via the Internet. Authorized users typically must log-on
to the provider's website and provide appropriate log-on and
identification information to authenticate them as users authorized
to retrieve stored golf course data. This process enables the
information providers to control access to authorized users and
provides one way of properly charging customers for services or
data provided for downloading. Once logged on, a user can request
information related to a particular golf course including golf
course data and GPS map data, among other information. The user's
request is executed by retrieving the desired information from the
server or database server where the information is stored.
[0377] The retrieved information is then downloaded to the user's
apparatus, e.g., a handheld PDA or integrated unit with a GPS
device. The downloaded information can include GPS map data for a
desired golf course as well as other relevant golf course related
data desired by a user. The downloaded information can be
immediately used or displayed on the user's apparatus display or
can be stored on the apparatus or associated data storage for
subsequent retrieval, use and display by the user. The user may use
the data to prepare himself/herself for a round of golf.
[0378] FIG. 34A illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of a
system and method for collecting, processing, storing, distributing
and downloading golf course related data, such as GIS data. In
another embodiment, the method of collecting, processing, and
distributing golf course GIS data comprises the steps of collecting
and uploading the golf course GIS data to a server computer
accessible via the Internet. The uploaded information is then
processed, for example, by cataloging and storing the uploaded golf
course data, in preparation for expected user requests for the
stored golf course GIS data. Upon receipt of an approved and
authorized request for the stored GIS data, the golf course GIS
data is distributed to the authorized requestor. The requestor can
then download the GIS data in any manner he chooses to any storage
device for later use. For example, a user may download the
requested GIS data to an electronic or computerized device
operating in conjunction with GIS data for using and displaying the
golf related information on the user's electronic or computerized
device.
[0379] FIGS. 34B-34G illustrate a flow chart of a preferred method
for collecting, processing and distributing golf course related GIS
data. At Step S100 golf course GIS data can be captured directly in
the field using portable survey grade GPS receiver systems using
Space Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) such as WAAS, EGNOS,
Omnstar or other correction systems. In Step S101, an operator or
technician can be outfitted with a portable GPS data collection
system comprised of the survey grade GPS receiver, antenna, battery
and data collection terminal and software. This equipment is
usually mounted in a backpack for convenience with the portable
data terminal being a handheld device such as Palm Pilot PDA or
Windows CE device running software to log GPS data with golf course
attribute data such as bunkers, water hazards, green targets, etc.
In Step S102, the technician goes to a desired course and, after
allowing the GPS equipment to stabilize on the GPS and correction
signals, commences logging the GIS data associated with the golf
related targets of interest to a golfer.
[0380] In Step S200, the data may optionally be derived via remote
geo-referenced satellite or aerial imagery. In this mode, in Step
S201, the latitude and longitude of the golf course of interest is
determined by a geo-location address service such as Mapquest or
from existing survey data. In Step S202, the latitude and longitude
information of the golf course of interest is used to search for
geo-referenced satellite or aerial imagery from a number of sources
such as the United States Geophysical Survey (USGS), SPOT Imagery,
IKONOS Imagery, Kodak Imagery systems or other aerial or satellite
imagery. Optimally, imagery with fifteen (15) centimeter to one (1)
meter resolution is required in order to adequately determine the
details of the targets of interest. At Step S203, the
geo-referenced imagery is acquired or purchased and downloaded to a
processing center.
[0381] In Step S204, the geo-referenced imagery is inputted into
analysis software such as ArcView, OziExplorer or other GIS
processing software. An operator then calibrates viewable features
on the imagery with ground truth GPS data such as High Accuracy
Reference Network (HARN) survey control points that may be located
in the imagery. Ground truth calibration data may also be acquired
by a portable GPS system as noted above in Step S100 on features
that are identifiable in the imagery. Optionally, if the
geo-referencing of the imagery is determined to be of suitable
accuracy then ground truth calibration of the imagery may not be
required. In Step S205, after the imagery is calibrated, the
operator identifies targets such as greens, bunkers and water
hazards. Then using GIS analysis software the operator derives the
latitude/longitude points of the targets of interest and associates
them with attribute names such as Center of Green, Bunker Front,
Water Carry, etc.
[0382] In Step S300, the data of Step S205 is transmitted to a
central processing server via an internal network, the Internet or
other external connected network. In Step S301, various known
communication protocols may be used to transmit the data. For
example, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a common protocol used
when transmitting data over networks.
[0383] In Step S400, the incoming data is archived on a data
server. In Step S401, the data is archived on a server that is
backed up to a tape, magnetic, optical media and/or other storage
medium.
[0384] In Step S500, the incoming data is staged for distribution
to the Quality Control process. In Step S501, the data is handed
off to a Database and Indexing process.
[0385] In Step S600, the data is processed into a database. In Step
S601, the data is assigned a unique index number in order to track
it through the processing and distribution system.
[0386] In Step S700, the indexed data is archived on a data server.
In Step S701, the data is archived on a server that is backed up to
a tape, magnetic, optical media and/or other storage medium.
[0387] In Step S800, the indexed GIS data is checked by quality
control software in a primary Quality Control (QC) process. In Step
S801, the GTS data for the golf course is formatted and displayed
on a PC monitor using ArcView, AutoCad, Open GL or other
appropriate software such as SkyGolf GPS Personal Digital Caddie
System, version SkyGolf GPS2 available on products from SkyHawke
Technologies, LLC. The user validates the collected or derived data
points associated with the targets for accuracy between the points
and also with other data in the database such as the published
yardages for each of the holes.
[0388] In Step S900, the processed GIS course data is reviewed and
if it passes, it is "handed off" to process Step S1100. If the data
is determined to have problems it is "handed off" to process Step
S1000 to correct the problems with the data. In Step S1000, data
problems encountered in the primary QC process are analyzed and
repaired if possible.
[0389] In Step S1100, the indexed data is associated with other
optional information about the course. In Step S1101, the indexed
GIS data is associated with informational data on the course in a
relational database such as Microsoft (MS) SQL. Other types of
databases may be used as are well known in the art. In Step S1102,
promotional information may be associated with the course data. In
Step S1103, golf "tips" for playing the particular course or hole
are produced from input by caddies or other course professionals
and associated with the indexed data.
[0390] In Step S1200, other additional or supplemental course
information such as that derived from 3rd party sources may be
associated with the data at this time.
[0391] In Step S1300, the indexed data is reviewed at a final QC
process. In Step S1301, the indexed data is reviewed for accuracy
along with the additional data associated with it in Step
S1200.
[0392] In Step S1400, the data is "passed" or "failed". In Step
S1401, if the data is "passed" it is sent to process Step S1600. In
Step S1402, if the data is "failed" it is sent to process Step
S1500 for correction.
[0393] In Step S1500, the data is corrected for inaccuracies and
returned to process Step S1300.
[0394] In Step S1600, the data is then formatted for use with
various applications for multiple user devices. These devices may
include, but are not limited to, GPS enabled PDA's, GPS devices or
GPS enabled cell phones. In Step S1601, the quality controlled GIS
data that is now associated with target or feature attribute data
is processed by formatting the data into the particular data
formats required by the application software running on the
respective devices. In Step S1602, the data formatting process may
use appropriate software provided by an application software vendor
or other appropriate software such as SkyGolf GPS Personal Digital
Caddie System, version SkyGolf GPS2 available on products from
SkyHawke Technologies, LLC.
[0395] In Step S1700, the data is staged for distribution. In Step
S1701, the data is staged for distribution to the internet or other
network servers. The data may also be staged at process Step S1900
for distribution to "point of sale" servers that are located in
retail locations.
[0396] In Step S1800, the data is stored in an online database with
associated indexing and description tags. In one embodiment, the
online database is accessible via the Internet or other network
available to authorized users. In Step S1801, the formatted GIS
data with its associated attribute information is archived on a
data backup server and then uploaded to an online data server. In
Step S1802, once the formatted GIS data is loaded on the online
data server, the GIS data is available for search and download by
customers.
[0397] In Step S1900, Point of Sale distribution staging
occurs.
[0398] In Step S2000, a Point of Sale action is carried out
preferably on a Data Server.
[0399] In Step S2100, a web site server is accessed for
transactions by users having a service subscription. A user's
subscription gives the user an area on an online web-server that is
accessible directly by the device, such as network enabled cell
phones and other wireless device protocols. The user's subscription
also gives the user an area on an online web-server that is
accessible indirectly via a connection to a PC. This area allows
the user to store and organize his GIS data for download to his
device. In Step S2101, based on the user's subscription level,
single or multiple folders may be set up for the user to access an
online web-server. In Step S2102, the user may store and organize
the data he has purchased or downloaded from the online database
for later retrieval.
[0400] Additionally, the user could also upload GIS data that the
user has recorded with his device via this process to the online
data servers for processing and re-distribution via the database.
In this case, in Step S2103, the user records GPS information and
associates it with target attribute information by using
appropriate software applications for this purpose such as SkyGolf
GPS Personal Digital Caddie System, version SkyGolf GPS2 available
on products from SkyHawke Technologies, LLC. And in Step S2104,
this information is automatically retrieved from the device when
the user logs on to the online website. The data is stored in the
user's online data area for later use or for insertion into the
distributed data.
[0401] In Step S2200, a designated web site golf course GIS data
server is used to store data. In Step S2201, the indexed golf
course GIS data formatted for use on particular devices is stored
on the online data server.
[0402] In Step S230, customer data is accessed. This information is
used in process Step S2500 to allow downloads based on the
subscription and access level of the user. New or updated customer
data will be collected during the registration process (Step
S2600).
[0403] In step S2400, transaction and billing processing take
place. In Step S2401, customer data transactions are metered based
on the number of datasets downloaded. In Step S2402, the data can
optionally be metered based on the size of the files downloaded. In
Step S2403, the customer information is associated with the
subscription level and billed or debited against the subscription
level according to the data sets downloaded.
[0404] In Step S2500, search, purchase and download is
accomplished. In Step S2501, the course data is time stamped so
that based on the user's subscription level the data may be used
for that day, week, month, year or unlimited usage. In Step S2502,
the application reads the time stamp on the data and if it is
within the parameters of the user's subscription use of the data is
allowed. In Step S2503, the data can be optionally associated with
a usage flag that counts the number of permitted uses of the data
and compares it to the subscription level of the user. Further,
based on the subscription level of the user, the data may be set to
expire on the associated device at different rates based on time,
such as hours, days or weeks, etc., or it may be set to expire on a
per use basis such as 1, 2, 3, etc. uses of the data.
[0405] In Step S2600, customer registration and subscription
processing are performed. In Step S2601, if the customer enters the
authorization process and is not registered he is guided through an
online registration and subscription purchase process. Customer
name, address and billing information is collected along with the
subscription level desired. Other demographic information may be
collected at this time. In Step S2602, once customer demographic
information is completed, it is saved to the customer database for
reference in process Steps S2100, S1400, S1500, S1600, and
S2700.
[0406] In Step S2700, in the website authorization process, a user
signs on to a website to initiate a subscription giving him access
to download the golf course or other GIS data. In Step S2701, the
user initiates a subscription to use the GIS data via a website
registration process. Credit card and financial information is
received via a "shopping cart" process or other known online
shopping process that allows such a transaction. There can be
multiple levels of subscriptions that give the user different
levels of access to the GIS data. In Step S2702, the user
information is captured into a database for lookup when the user
logs on to the website. A unique identification number, such as a
an Electronic Serial Number (ESN) or identification (ID), of the
device is associated with this information in order to help
automate future log on processes. In Step S2703, the online
database may then be searched for course data that the user is
interested in. Once the course data is selected, it is staged for
insertion to the user's online folder(s) for subsequent download.
Optionally, the data may be downloaded directly to the user at that
time.
[0407] In Step S2800, a user may initiate communications with the
website server through the internet or other network link. In Step
S2900, a personal computer or other appropriate computing machine
may be used by the user to access the web site server. In Step
S3000, a portable user device such as a PDA may be used to access
the system. Alternatively, in Step S3100, a wireless user device
such as a wireless enabled PDA, cell phone or other wireless device
may be used to access the system.
Collection, Processing and/or Distribution of Golf Related Data and
Direct Connect Aspect
[0408] In one aspect a unit or device, e.g., a portable device such
as a PDA or cell phone, with a unique identification number, such
as an Electronic Serial Number (ESN), is used in the collection,
processing or distribution of golf related data. In one embodiment,
a unique identification number is embedded in each unit or device.
The unit or device unique identification number would be available
in a memory area on the device that could be queried by the remote
website server application. This can be accomplished by the website
server application sending a polling command to the connected
device requesting the device to output and send it's internal
unique identification number. When the unique identification number
is successfully returned to the website server application by the
device, the unique identification number is automatically
associated with the user's subscription and account information and
automatically logs the user into their user's respective course
data storage and course data management area of the website or
other networked data repository by means of a database server
lookup table.
[0409] FIG. 36 illustrates the functional layers of one embodiment
of the web-centric access control based on the unique
identification number. FIG. 36 shows the functional layers for
accessing the web via the unique identification number stored in
the handheld device using a PC. The handheld device can be
connected to the PC via serial port, USB, infrared, or other
communication means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
The PC in turn is connected to the Internet. All actions are
preferably controlled from the web site, and therefore the PC
becomes a pass through device, like a conduit, to send and receive
data to and from the connected handheld unit or device. No actions
are initiated from the handheld device or PC based applications
even though the handheld device is connected to the PC. Based on
actions taken within the browser window on the PC, commands are
preferably issued from the web site to a conduit program that runs
on the PC, which in turn communicates with the connected handheld
device to transfer data to and from the unit or device.
[0410] FIG. 37 illustrates an alternate aspect or implementation of
a web-centric access control based on the unique identification
number of a device or unit. FIG. 37 shows the functional layers of
an embodiment for accessing the web via the unique identification
number stored in the handheld device using wireless communications.
In this embodiment, the PC is not used or is eliminated entirely.
In this embodiment, wireless Internet connectivity is built into
the handheld device or unit. The user can access his data area on
the web site by coming into range of a wireless access point. In
this embodiment, a mini-browser or other browser application on the
handheld unit allows access and user selection of data to be
downloaded or uploaded to and from an Internet or web location
based on or using the unique identification number of the unit or
device.
[0411] Once the user is logged on to his specific area of the
website or other networked data repository, the user has a variety
of capabilities and can carry out a variety of functions. The user
is able to, among others capabilities: View lists of courses that
are available to that golfer for downloading based on purchases or
subscription levels associated with the unique identification
number; Retrieve, store and organize course data sets in folder
areas containing collections of specific courses to be downloaded
to the handheld device. The folders are user customizeable as to
their description (e.g. "MyHomeCourses", "MyVacationCourses", etc);
Initiate the download of the folder "package" to the handheld
device; Retrieve, store and organize course target data that the
user has recorded himself; Place user recorded target data in
downloadable folders; and Retrieve and/or set preference settings
via a data input page on the website for that specific handheld
device, including display settings, operational settings, and GPS
parameter settings, etc. These preference settings then would be
downloaded to and initiated on the respective device.
[0412] These tasks can be accomplished or carried by the website
server application presenting custom user input pages to the user
associated with the user's device or unit unique identification
number that is logged into the server. The user can review, modify
or act upon the data in his folder area prior to initiating a
download of the data to the user's device by selecting one or more
menu buttons on the web page such as one labeled "Download to Unit"
or similar labeling.
[0413] A similar method or process can be employed in managing the
user's device preference settings. The web server application
presents a custom user input page on the website that contains the
preference settings retrieved from the user's unit via a command
and polling sequence. The preference settings are stored in the
users data area on the web server or other accessible storage
location. The user can modify the preference settings and, upon
initiating a subsequent download to the unit via a menu button
located on the user's web page, update the settings stored in the
device's onboard memory chip or storage.
[0414] One other utilization aspect of the unique identification
number is to provide a means whereby data to be downloaded is
automatically encrypted specifically for that unit by using a
specific key for that unique identification number that is either a
static key or a rotating key. This can be accomplished by the web
server application staging the user selected courses for download
to the device and applying a software encryption algorithm to the
data that is encoded by using a static key already embedded or
previously transmitted to the unit or by a rotating key that is
derived by the receiving unit from a common set of events. The
encryption means used can be any one or those known to those of
ordinary skill in the art, e.g., software encryption algorithms
RSA, Blowfish, PGP, etc., as well as custom encryption
algorithms.
[0415] One operational aspect or method of identifying the
apparatus, unit or handheld device uses a unique identification
number, such as an Electronic Serial Number (ESN). During
production, a unique identification number is stored into the
handheld device. When logging into the web site containing golf
course data for downloading, the unique identification number can
be retrieved from the handheld device and used in place of a user
ID and password. Based on the unique identification number
retrieved from the handheld device, a specific area of the web site
is made available to that user after they have been logged in. The
area available to the user, based on the unique identification
number, can include the following user specific items, among
others: Lists of courses that are available to that golfer for
downloading based on purchases or subscription associated with that
unique identification number; Courses the golfer has recorded
himself; Folder areas containing collections of specific courses to
be downloaded to the handheld device (e.g. MyHomeCourses,
MyNextVacation, etc); and Preference settings for that specific
handheld device, including display setting, operational setting,
and GPS settings.
[0416] The data to be downloaded can be encrypted using a specific
key for that unique identification number based on a static key.
The data to be downloaded can also be encrypted using a specific
key for that unique identification number that is based on rotating
key, e.g., each day, each week, each month, each year, etc.
[0417] Based on the unique identification number retrieved fro the
handheld device or unit, special screens can be displayed,
including among others: Special advertising screens for groups of
specific unique identification numbers; Special sponsor screens for
groups of specific unique identification numbers; and Personal
startup screens for a specific unique identification number. Also,
security protocols may be invoked based on the unique
identification number for disabling of lost or stolen unit and
disabling or reduced functionality of unit beyond subscription time
period.
[0418] Further, another aspect of the web-centric access control
based on the unique identification number, the handheld's
application software may be automatically updated based on the
handheld device reporting, upon connection to the web server, what
version of application software the handheld device is running. The
web server can then automatically download an appropriate
application software update from a file storage area associated
with the handheld device's specific unique identification number or
selected group of unique identification numbers.
[0419] Once the handheld device is connected to the web server,
information or data may be downloaded or streamed to the handheld
device or group of device based on unique identification number
lookups associated to real-time data field updates in the server
database. Information or data from the handheld device may be
uploaded or streamed in real-time to the web server and associated
with the unique identification number of the unit.
[0420] The unique identification number on the unit or device may
also be used to identify the unit for the download of special or
targeted advertising screens tailored for individuals or for groups
of specific unique identification numbers. Special sponsor screens
may be downloaded to the unit as well as custom personal startup
screens for a specific unique identification number. This can be
accomplished by staging pre-formatted text or bit-mapped image
files in the web server database. These files are relationally
associated with specific unique identification numbers or groups of
unique identification numbers. When the web server application
determines that a unit with a matching unique identification number
is connected to the system it automatically initiates a lookup to
the database and retrieves the associated text or bit-mapped
images. A download to the unit is initiated and the files are
inserted into the specified device memory location for retrieval
and display by the embedded application on the units LCD or user
interface display.
[0421] The unique identification number can also be used provide a
security feature for the device. If a unit is lost or stolen and is
reported by the user the database can flag the associated unique
identification number as lost or stolen. This security feature is
invoked upon a subsequent connection to the website when the unit
is identified in the server database as a lost or stolen unit.
Specifically, it may be disabled via a remote command that is
processed by the embedded application software on the device.
Optionally, a screen may be downloaded or programmatically invoked
and displayed on the unit showing a phone number to call to report
a lost or stolen unit while maintaining a disabled state on other
application functions. The security feature may also be used as
part of the business process to disable or provide reduced
functionality on units that have expired subscriptions by
downloading subscription status flags from a database lookup table
associated to the unique identification number of the device by
which the application running on the device would take the
appropriate device limiting actions or download a separate limited
function application replacement. The security feature or method
can further be used to provide the user with updates on their
subscription status and friendly reminders at pre-defined times
prior to the subscription expiration date to renew their
subscription.
[0422] Additionally, other data may similarly be presented to the
user based on the unique identification number and associated data
or information lookup in a database table. This data and
information can be streamed into the database in real time by using
Extensible Markup Language (XML) or similar methods. The data or
information can then be distributed to the device based on unique
identification number lookups associated to the particular data or
information fields. The distribution can occur when the device is
connected to the website or in real time if the device is connected
via wireless protocols to the web server. Conversely, data and
information may be uploaded from the device either upon connection
to the website or in real-time if wireless protocols are used to
connect to the web server. This is accomplished by associating the
unique identification number to the appropriate relational data
fields on the web server for any information or data that is
uploaded to the web server from the device.
[0423] FIGS. 38A-38F illustrate the use of a unique identification
number stored in a handheld device in connection with access to a
web site.
[0424] The invention has been described and illustrated with
respect to certain preferred embodiments by way of example only.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the preferred
embodiments may be altered or amended without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the invention. While the above description
contains many specifics, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an example
of one or more embodiments thereof. Therefore, the invention is not
limited to the specific details, representative devices, and
illustrated examples in this description. Many other variations of
this invention are possible. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated,
but by the following appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
* * * * *