U.S. patent application number 15/880659 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-02 for digital information golf ball system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alec Michael Mosher, Louis Rosas-Guyon. Invention is credited to Alec Michael Mosher, Louis Rosas-Guyon.
Application Number | 20180214758 15/880659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62977436 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180214758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mosher; Alec Michael ; et
al. |
August 2, 2018 |
DIGITAL INFORMATION GOLF BALL SYSTEM
Abstract
A golf ball locator and player ball strike information system
includes a golf ball that utilizes a signal transmitter; one hand
held electromagnetic signal receiver; and a CPU coupled to the
receiver and configured to receive signals from the ball, to
determine the location of the golf ball using signals produced by
the ball, outputting at least one signal indicating the location of
the golf ball in relation to a hand held device, and one signal
relaying information during play of the ball last struck, showing
but not limited to, spin rate, shot distance, speed, launch angle.
All information is kept on an application for golfer use, but is
not limited to computer devices, smart devices, hand held devices
and the like.
Inventors: |
Mosher; Alec Michael;
(Marcellus, NY) ; Rosas-Guyon; Louis; (Miami,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mosher; Alec Michael
Rosas-Guyon; Louis |
Marcellus
Miami |
NY
FL |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62977436 |
Appl. No.: |
15/880659 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62450682 |
Jan 26, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0021 20130101;
A63B 69/3655 20130101; A63B 69/3688 20130101; A63B 2024/0028
20130101; A63B 69/3658 20130101; A63B 69/3605 20200801; A63B 43/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. In a system for use with a telephony device capable of operating
software and for monitoring selectable parameters of a golf ball
during a game of golf and deriving desired information therefrom,
the system comprising: (a) a cellular communications network
including at least one dedicated data collection servicer; (b) a
digital hand-held unit including means for collecting and
processing data using proprietary software for the capture,
analysis and display of parameters derived from data upon said
network; (c) a golf ball having disposed about a center thereof and
within a diameter of less than one-half of said golf ball, a
digital communication system, comprising: (i) a multi-axis
accelerometer chip; (ii) a multi-axis gyroscope chip; (iii) an
antenna capable of communication with said digital communication
network; (iv) a central processing unit (CPU) including means for
transmitting acquired data from said accelerometer and gyroscope to
said network, said CPU including software for derivation of golf
ball flight parameters of interest from data acquired from said
network: (v) a sensor hub comprising means for management of data
between said accelerometer, gyroscope and CPU; and (vi) a battery
and associated power management means
2. The system as recited in claim 1, said antennae configured to
substantially surround said components of said digital
communication system.
2. tem as recited in claim 2, said digital communication system
surrounded by standard interior and exterior golf ball
materials.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, said software including means
for calculation of ball location, launch force, distance, velocity,
roll, spin and trajectory of flight, results of said calculations
appearing upon said hand-held unit.
5. An athletic ball, comprising a sphere having disposed about a
center thereof and within a diameter of less than one-half of said
sphere, a digital communication system, comprising: (i) a
multi-axis accelerometer chip; a multi-axis gyroscope chip; &
(iii) an antenna capable of communication with said digital
communication network; (iv) a central processing unit (CPU)
including means for transmitting acquired data from said
accelerometer and gyroscope to said network, said CPU including
software for derivation of ball flight parameters of interest from
data acquired from said network; (v) a sensor hub comprising means
for management of data between said accelerometer, gyroscope and
CPU; and (vi) a battery and associated power management means
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the area of tracking or
monitoring the performance of a golf ball during a game of golf of
a user. Particular embodiments relate to a system for tracking the
flight, velocity, spin and location of a golf ball and providing
useful statistics to the user in connection therewith.
B. Description of Related Art
[0002] Golf clubs are used to propel a ball toward a favored
location and along a desired trajectory. The orientation and speed
of the club head at impact largely determines the ball path
including its carry distance, spin and roll.
[0003] Various data measuring and collecting devices and methods
exist for analyzing a golf club during a golf swing. In a similar
manner, the effectiveness of a golf ball impact with the golf club
during the swing can be measured in terms of initial launch
conditions. Such launch conditions include the initial velocity,
launch angle, spin rate and spin axis of the golf ball. These
launch conditions are determined principally by the velocity of a
club head at impact and the loft angle of a club face relative to
the intended trajectory of the golf ball's flight. There are two
general methods for analyzing the golf club swing: visual analysis
and quantitative variable analysis.
[0004] The method of analyzing a swing using visual analysis
typically is conducted by a golf instructor capable of visually
discerning golf swing variables, and suggesting corrections in the
golfer's swing to provide improvement. However, not every golfer
has ready access to professional golf instruction. The golfer also
can diagnose certain swing faults using visual analysis methodology
employing one or more cameras to record his swing and comparing it
to a model swing. Using various camera angles and slow motion
playback, the actual swing motion can be reviewed and altered in
subsequent swings.
[0005] On the other hand, quantitative variable analysis employs
sensors to directly measure various mechanical or physical
properties of the golf club during the swing motion. Sensors, such
as strain gauges or accelerometers, typically are attached to the
shaft or the golf club head. Data collected from these strain
gauges then may be transferred to a signal processor via wires or
radio waves, and can be presented in various graphical formats,
including various charts. A significant drawback associated with
the use of wires in an instrumented golf club is that the wires can
be very cumbersome, and can become obtrusive to the golfer when the
golfer attempts to swing the golf club. Several different
approaches to analyzing a golf club (or baseball bat during a
baseball bat swing) using quantitative variable analysis are
discussed in the patents listed below.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,340, issued to Kim, discloses the use of
multiple sensors for measuring the acceleration of a golf club, and
uses either a cable or radio transmissions to transfer data from
the sensors to an external data processing means.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,850, issued to Wilhelm, discloses the
use of a sensor for measuring the applied force of a golf swing.
The sensor data can be displayed on a wrist-mounted arrangement or
be downloaded to a computer via cable or radio transmission.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,863, issued to Evans, discloses the use
of multiple sensors, including an accelerometer and strain gauges,
to measure torque and flex. Data is transferred from the golf dub
to a data analysis station via FM radio signals, with each sensor
having its own data transfer frequency.
[0009] The prior art is lacking in a practical method and system
for shot tracking.
[0010] Recently published specification to Unger US2015/0094168
suggests a system for tracking a golf ball during flight and after
landing on the golf course. Unger also suggests providing the golf
ball with onboard intelligence communication with a transmission
technology to acquire data from the golf ball and compute ball
performance characteristics of intersection that are displayed on a
smart phone.
[0011] The present invention improves upon the many technical and
practical deficiencies of the teaching of Unger.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to a system for use with a
telephony device capable of operating a software application. The
system functions to monitor and calculate selectable parameters of
a golf ball during a game of golf, the system including a cellular
communications network having at least one dedicated data
collection se,ver; a digital hand-held unit including a GPS chip
and means for collecting and processing data using suitable
software for the capture and analysis of data from said network.
The system further includes a golf ball having, disposed in and
about a core thereof and within a diameter of less than one half of
said golf ball, a digital communication system. Said system
includes a multi-axis accelerometer chip, a multi-axis gyroscope
chip, an antennae and a central processing unit (CPU) including
means for transmitting acquired data from said accelerometer and
gyroscope to said network, said CPU including software for
employment of acquired data for purposes of calculation of ball
parameters of interest. Also included in the communication system
is a sensor hub defining means for management of data between said
accelerometer, gyroscope and said network, and a battery having an
associated power management means.
[0013] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to
provide a system for tracking of the flight, location, spin and
other parameters of a golf ball, or a ball used in any sport, and
and transmitting the location of the ball to a receiving device
held by the user or player, to thereby gather data and calculate
information about the flight of the ball, and transmitting such
information to a device held by the user or player.
[0014] It is another object to provide a system of the above type
in which information may be gathered about the flight
characteristics of a golf ball to enable a golfer to improve his or
her game.
[0015] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a
system of the above type in which system information received upon
the hand-held device is able to illustrate to golfers their golf
swing tendencies.
[0016] It is a yet further object to provide a system of the above
type to assist instructors in better teaching students ways in
which their game may be improved.
[0017] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a
system for reducing the number of lost golf balls and time looking
for golf balls in unusual locations, thereby minimizing financial
loss due the time spent by golfers looking for golf balls, reducing
the time spent on the golf course and thereby permitting a golf
course to sell additional rounds of golf.
[0018] It is a yet further object to provide a system of the above,
type which can communicate to an individual golfer data in
connection with spin rate, shot distance, ball speed, launch angle
and other parameters of interest, and to display the same visually
on a hand-held device.
[0019] The above and yet other objects and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set
forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of
the Invention and Claims appended herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a conceptual view showing the relationship of a
smart phone and special-purpose hand held unit of a golfer to a
cellular telephone network according to the present system.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of the operation of the system.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagrammatic view of the internal
circuitry embedded within a golf ball of the present system.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagrammatic view of the internal
circuitry embedded within the tracking assistance bag unit of the
present system.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the orthornormal
parameters measured by the present system to produce data from
which parameters of interest may be calculated. FIG. 5 further
shows the relative diameter and size of the circuitry of the
present system to that of a typical golf ball.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a conceptual exploded view of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Properly informing a golfer of the details related to his or
her golf game can help the golfer reduce his or her score. This
information can be captured directly from information generated by
the flight of the golf ball.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a complete digital network for a smart
golf ball 100 can be created with an embedded "smart" golf ball
102, a smartphone 104 or other handheld unit 106, and a locator
assistance unit attached to the golf bag 107, existing
telecommunications transmission protocols 108, the internet 114,
and a dedicated data collection server 116.
[0028] The smartphone 104 can be any existing telephony device
(iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, etc.) available for sale though
consumer retail channels capable of running a proprietary software
application for the capture and analysis of the data from the smart
golf ball 102. The handheld unit 106 can be any digital handheld
unit capable of running a proprietary software application for the
capture and analysis of the data from the smart golf ball 102. The
locator assistance bag unit 107 provides location data to assist
with signal triangulation,
[0029] Data will be collected from the smart golf ball 102 and the
bag unit 107 directly by the smartphone 104 or handheld unit 106,
and then transmitted via either WiFi 110 or the cellular telephone
network 112 across the public Internet cloud 114 to dedicated data
collection servers 116.
[0030] The data server 116 will be an online database server
provisioned from a cloud provider or hosted in a private
datacenter. The data server will store golfer's account information
and correlate that with information captured from the smart golf
ball 102.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the smart golf ball 102 will
be fully powered on with a preset sequence of shakes 200 of the
bail 102 which will be noted by the onboard accelerometers 312. The
power on sequence will turn on the Bluetooth LE 304 and antenna 302
to enable all other features embedded in the ball. Once powered on,
the ball 102 and bag unit 107 can be paired 202 with the smartphone
104 or handheld 106 using standard Bluetooth pairing protocols.
After pairing 204, the smartphone 104 or handheld 106 will record
the smartphone 104 or handheld's 106 GPS location data, the ball's
102 Bluetooth signal strength, the bag unit's 107 Bluetooth signal
strength, the unique Bluetooth ID from the ball 102, and the unique
Bluetooth ID from the bag unit 107. The bag unit 107 will also
record the Bluetooth signal strength from the ball 102, and
transmit that Information to the smartphone 104 or handheld
106.
[0032] If a telecommunications link 108, is available, the software
application will report wind speed and direction collected from
external Internet sources which are then stored on and transmitted
from the data server 116. Wind speed and direction information is
displayed to the golfer via the smartphone 104 or handheld 106
software application,
[0033] At this point 207, the golfer indicates the beginning of a
round of golf by selected the golf course and the corresponding
first hole of the round, in case the golfer wishes to start at any
point in the course, on the software application. The software will
record the GPS coordinates from the smartphone 104 or handheld 106
built-in GPS antenna. The golfer then hits the ball 208. So long as
the golf ball 102 is in range of the smartphone 104 or handheld
106, and the bag unit 107, the data collected by the various
components 300 embedded in the smart ball will be transmitted to
the smartphone 104 or handheld 106, and to the bag unit 107. Once
out of range, the smart golf ball 102 will record all collected
sensor data 318 in the onboard memory 306.
[0034] The golfer will then physically follow after the ball 102.
If necessary, the golfer can use the application to track the
location of the ball 210 relative to his or her current location.
This information will be mathematically extrapolated from the data
previously collected. Once signal communication is re-established
via Bluetooth 212, the software application will be able to direct
the golfer with greater accuracy using the previously recorded
Bluetooth signal strength data 204 to direct the golfer to the ball
102. The ball 102 will also transmit all stored data 214 collected
from embedded sensors 318.
[0035] At this point 216, the software will record the GPS
coordinates from the smartphone 104 or handheld 106 built-in GPS
antenna, along with the ball's 102 Bluetooth 304 signal strength
and the bag unit 107 Bluetooth signal strength. The smartphone 104
or handheld's 106 on board central processing unit will then
calculate 218 roll, spin, distance, angle and all variations
possible from the collected sensor data 318.
[0036] The software application will check for network availability
220. If a network is available, all data 216, 218 collected will be
transmitted 222 to the data server 116. If there is no network
available 224, all data will remain stored on the smartphone 104 or
handheld 106 until network connectivity is available.
[0037] All collected and calculated data 216, 218, is then reported
via the software application 226 to the golfer. Golfers will be
able to select what information they wish reported by the software
application. However, all available data is collected and
transmitted to the data server 116 regardless of the golfer's data
reporting preferences.
[0038] Based on data collected from the accelerometers 312 and
gyroscope 314, the software application will be able to determine
if the golfer sank the ball 102 in the hole. This will be recorded
as the end of a hole 228 which will trigger the software to reset
the hit counter 230 and switch to the next hole. The golfer is now
ready to continue his or her game 208.
[0039] During play, the golfer will have the option to end the game
232 via the software application interface. At this point 234, the
software application will collect any remaining sensor data 318,
transmit 108 this to the data server 116, and then instruct the
smart golf ball 102 CPU 308 to power down to sleep mode to conserve
battery life.
[0040] Additionally, FIG. 3 describes the various PCB components to
be embedded in the smart golf ball 102. The Bluetooth antenna 302
will be wrapped around the PCB and battery to act as a case to
protect the chipset. This will be connected to a Bluetooth Low
Energy chipset 304 which will collect and translate the wireless
communication protocol. The CPU 308 will be an Intel.RTM. Quark.TM.
processor, or similar low power, small form factor digital
processor. Integrated with the processor 308, will be a low power
DRAM 306 for the storage of collected sensor data 318. Further, a
low-power integrated DSP sensor hub with pattern-matching
technology 310 will manage the data from the 3-axis accelerometers
312 and the 3-axis gyroscope 314. Lastly, a power management
integrated circuit 316 will connect to the battery 109.
[0041] FIG. 4 describes the various PCB components to be embedded
in the bag unit 107. The Bluetooth antenna 302 will be connected to
a Bluetooth Low Energy chipset 304 which will collect and translate
the wireless communication protocol. The CPU 308 will be an Intel
Quark.TM. processor, or similar low power, small form factor
digital processor. Lastly, a power management integrated circuit
316 will connect to a pair of standard AA batteries. The entire bag
unit 107 will be in a plastic casing.
[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates the three primary axes of data that will
be collected from the 3-axis accelerometers and the 3-axis
gyroscope. It also details the relative diameters of the smart golf
ball 102 and the embedded PCB 300 and battery 109.
[0043] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the smart golf ball 102. The
exterior cover 101 shall conform to established professional golf
standards for golf ball covers. The interior 103 can be one to
three layers depending on the quality rating of the golf ball. The
antenna 105 will encircle the PCB 300 and battery 109 to act as a
protective layer for the components. The battery 109 will be a
standard button cell with sufficient voltage to power all embedded
components.
[0044] It is to be appreciated that one aspect of this system
wirelessly transmits electromagnetic signals from the golf ball
using Bluetooth technology (or any other) within a certain range
(about 150 ft) to a receiving unit is the stand-alone hand held
device 106, the smart phone 104, the bag unit 107, or other such
receiving device on or near the golfer.
[0045] There are preferably twelve (12) golf balls numbered to
assist the player in visual identification of one's ball in play.
Each golf ball is provided with its own unique frequency to avoid
cross frequencies and ball confusion.
[0046] Another aspect of the tracking system is to transmit data,
including, but not limited to force, spin rate, launch angle,
speed, and shot distance, 218 to the device in the possession of
the golfer 104, 106, and/or 107, with software in the device
enabling the device to store and interpret the transmitted
information. The object of this aspect is to present the data in
software to be interpreted, understood and to be shared amongst an
online community of golfers and coaches/trainers.
[0047] Another aspect of the tracking system consists of a
coordination system paired with software to enable the golfer's
round to be mapped 216. When the position of the golf ball is
located by the tracking system, the software will take a snapshot
of the golf ball's GPS coordinates which will show a shot-by-shot
process of the individual is played throughout the round. This
information is stored on the hand held device and then transmitted
to a dedicated web server 116 for use by the golfer to improve
his/her game or to assist coaches/trainers in assisting the golfer
in improving his/her game.
[0048] These and other objects are accomplished by providing a
system that includes one ball 102 coupled with a transmitter 300
that transmits an electromagnetic signal, paired with two
electromagnetic signal receivers 104, 106, and/or 107. Not only
does the transmitter send location signals, it also processes data
based on in-flight information. These along with a coordinate
system allow the software to determine where the individual is
within the course of play.
[0049] After being hit the golf ball transmits an electromagnetic
signal which is received by the smartphone 104 or the handheld unit
106 and by the bag unit 107. The CPU 308 within the integrated
circuit 300 captures data points such as, spin rate, launch angle,
speed, and shot distance 218. When the golfer reaches a specific
distance from the location of the golf ball, smartphone 104 or the
handheld unit 106 and by the bag unit 107 identifies the golf ball
selected based on the signal frequency that it transmits, and
determines location based on a triangulation of the signal strength
emitted by the ball 102. After the golf ball 102 is located and
identified the software extracts the data collected by the CPU in
the ball, and presents it in statistical form. These statistics are
stored within the server 116 and calculated to allow the golfer to
see information to help improve his/her game of golf and make the
golfing experience more enjoyable
[0050] When standing at the tee of the first hole of the round and
each successive hole in the round, the system displays a layout of
that hole on the golfer's device with distances to hazards and the
pin. After the golfer strikes the ball, the system begins
calculating and storing information about the force of the hit on
the ball by the dub, the spin rate, velocity, direction and
distance. After each strike of the ball, the coordinate system and
software located in the golfer's hand-held device or other device
will show a shot-by-shot map of each hole of golf to be played and
exactly where the ball is located. This information is stored
within the software and displayed on the device 106 so the golfer
can see where he/she is in relation to the pin. Along with this
capability, the coordinate system allows the golfer to see
distances to markers and landmarks throughout the course in a quick
and simple manner.
[0051] The stored information also allows the player to look back
on prior rounds played to see improvements, tendencies, or simply
share a round of golf with a friend or coach who couldn't attend
the round.
[0052] This software system interfaces with the chip embedded golf
ball to extract the previous specified data points, store said data
and then transmit it to a dedicated web server. Users enjoy
complete access to their specific information and any information
shared with them by other users.
[0053] The design of the system measures movement of the ball, spin
and acceleration and then transmits these parameters to the smart
phone or hand held device. To pair the unit to the hand held
device, an initial sudden acceleration is required to power on the
unit. This is accomplished by throwing the ball against the ground
with some force. This initial acceleration will instruct the
embedded software on the integrated circuit to power on the
Bluetooth chipsets and antennas so that the hand held device
software can pair the unit with the player's account and record the
initial GPS location from the hand held device. When the unit
detects and transmits the next sudden acceleration of high g-force,
it will record this, and all subsequent accelerations, as part of
the stroke count. Between these acceleration spikes, just prior to
the spike, the software records the GPS position of the smart phone
or hand held device. This data is used for distance calculations.
The unit transmit, and the software captures data associated with
acceleration, spin and impact. GPS data is captured from the hand
held device. The software is also programmed to capture the
relative signal strength of the Bluetooth or wireless transmitter
which to aid in the recovery of lost units. As the signal strength
increases, the user is notified of the increasing proximity to the
unit.
[0054] The user indicates through the hand held software interface
the specific golf course, the beginning of a round of golf, and the
start of each hole. The unit records stroke data between holes and
report this data for scoring purposes. It also stores data on
strike force, strength of strike, spin rate and distance traveled
by the ball for later analysis by users.
User Software Application
[0055] The initial smart phone or other hand held device software
provides the user interface for creating a user account (including
but not limited to user name, email address, golf clubs used,
favorite courses and other relevant statistics), adding golf balls
to be tracked, selecting golf course to be played, selecting the
golf hole being played, selecting golf club used on each stroke,
recording GPS data for each stroke, and reporting scores for each
hole and round of golf. All data collected from the hand held
device is then be transmitted to the dedicated, online web server
which permits user password protected access for reporting and
analysis of one's golf game. The hand held device software also
captures all data transmitted from the unit for either immediate
transmission to the web server or for later connection and
transmission from a personal computer.
Tracking Method
[0056] Upon initial pairing with the golf ball, the hand held
device software captures data related to the signal strength from
the Bluetooth antenna. Once the ball is in play, the same Bluetooth
signal strength is used to assist the player in locating errant
golf balls. As the user approaches the ball, the hand held device
software notifies the user of the general proximity of the ball. As
the user approaches the ball, the hand held device software advises
that one is getting "warmer" up to 100 feet from the ball. Within
25 feet of the ball, the hand held device software enunciates
"hotter" and then within 5 feet of the ball, it says "very hot."
These messages can be changed by the user in the user configuration
menu of the hand held device software or via the web site
interface.
[0057] The software will record: GPS coordinates for each stroke;
spin rate of ball; force at impact; roll after initial touchdown of
the ball; distance travelled by the ball; and stroke count
[0058] An Integrated circuit includes an accelerometer, gyroscope,
Bluetooth RF transmitter, microprocessor, and a battery connection.
A battery with sufficient power to permit for 1-2 years of
continuous operation is used. Thereafter, customers can either
dispose of the golf ball or preferably return it to the
manufacturer for recycling.
Data Collected from Each Source [0059] From the ball: spin rate,
acceleration, Bluetooth signal strength, and Bluetooth device ID.
[0060] From the hand held device: date; time; GPS coordinates (GPS
data will be captured only from the smart phone or hand held
device. There is no GPS receiver embedded in the ball.) [0061] From
the user: user information (name, email address, and the like),
golf clubs used, golf course played, golf hole number, club
selected for each shot, and the end of the round of golf. [0062]
From available Internet sources: ambient temperature, weather
conditions, wind speed and direction, and GPS data for golf
courses. [0063] Data reported by software: distance travelled by
ball; stroke count; distance to ball; golf game scoring
information; force applied to ball; spin rate of the ball in
flight; wind speeds and direction; golf club used and current
outcomes for each club versus historic outcomes; and historic
tendencies for each hole of golf played.
[0064] All data collected from various sources are aggregated into
a centralized web server data depository. Users are able to access
their own data and share such data as they deem fit with other
users or golf professionals. This in the hope of fostering an
online golf community of players sharing their thoughts and
recommendations for play on different courses. All data collected
is subjected to statistical analysis to determine relevant metadata
from across the entire range of information, without revealing
anyone's specific private information. This metadata may be
reported to stakeholders, for example, average stroke count for
each hole on a selected golf course. One may also rank players
based on their statistics and provide an online leader board based
on player skill levels. Data may also be released to golf
professionals/trainers to help their customers improve their golf
game.
[0065] While there has been shown and described above the preferred
embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that
the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically
shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain
changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts
without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this
invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.
* * * * *