GOLF INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

Description

BACKGROUND

Although the game of golf has seen a general decline in popularity, the sport has been attracting new players and fans with the rising popularity of celebrity golfers. Many of the new players and fans, however, are interested in technological advancements to the game of golf.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a golf infotainment system. The golf infotainment system includes one or more sensors, a display device, and one or more processing circuits. At least one sensor of the one or more sensors is configured to be positioned on a golf course. The one or more processing circuits are configured to communicably couple with the one or more sensors and the display device. The one or more processing circuits are also configured to receive an initiation of a golf session from a golfer, monitor, via the one or more sensors, a performance of the golfer during the golf session, and provide, via the display device, feedback based on the performance of the golfer.

Another embodiment relates to a golf infotainment system for a golf course. The golf infotainment system includes a first plurality of sensors configured to be positioned about the golf course, a second plurality of sensors configured to be positioned on at least one of golf balls, golf carts, or golf clubs used on the golf course, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive an initiation of a golf session from a golfer where the golf session includes a round of golf at the golf course, monitor, via the first plurality of sensors and the second plurality of sensors, a performance of the golfer during the golf session, and at least one of (a) store the performance for future reference or (b) transmit the performance to a golf simulator in real-time.

Still another embodiment relates to a golf infotainment system for a golf course. The golf infotainment system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive an initiation of a golf session from a first golfer, monitor, via one or more sensors, a first performance of the first golfer during the golf session, and provide, via a display device, feedback based on the performance of the first golfer. The initiation of the golf session includes at least one of (a) a request for instruction or (b) an initiation of a competition between the first golfer and a second golfer during the golf session. The feedback includes at least one of an instruction for improving the first performance of the first golfer in response to the request for instruction, or a determination of a winner in response to the initiation of the competition between the first golfer and the second golfer.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another schematic block diagram of the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a fleet monitoring and control system including a plurality of the vehicles of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a system included in the fleet monitoring and control system of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portion of a golf course, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a golf simulator, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a is a flow diagram of a method for using a golf infotainment system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Overall Vehicle

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a machine or vehicle, shown as vehicle 10, includes a chassis, shown as frame 12; a body assembly, shown as body 20, coupled to the frame 12 and having an occupant portion or section, shown as occupant seating area 30; operator input and output devices, shown as operator controls 40, that are disposed within the occupant seating area 30; a drivetrain, shown as driveline 50, coupled to the frame 12 and at least partially disposed under the body 20; a vehicle suspension system, shown as suspension system 60, coupled to the frame 12 and one or more components of the driveline 50; a vehicle braking system, shown as braking system 70, coupled to one or more components of the driveline 50 to facilitate selectively braking the one or more components of the driveline 50; one or more first sensors, shown as sensors 90; and a control system, shown as vehicle control system 100, coupled to the operator controls 40, the driveline 50, the suspension system 60, the braking system 70, and the sensors 90. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 includes more or fewer components.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an off-road machine or vehicle. In some embodiments, the off-road machine or vehicle is a lightweight or recreational machine or vehicle such as a golf cart or vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”), a utility task vehicle (“UTV”), a low speed vehicle (“LSV”), a personal transport vehicle (“PTV”), and/or another type of lightweight or recreational machine or vehicle. In some embodiments, the off-road machine or vehicle is a chore product such as a lawnmower, a turf mower, a push mower, a ride-on mower, a stand-on mower, aerator, turf sprayers, bunker rake, and/or another type of chore product (e.g., that may be used on a golf course).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the occupant seating area 30 includes a plurality of rows of seating including a first row of seating, shown as front row seating 32, and a second row of seating, shown as rear row seating 34. In some embodiments, the occupant seating area 30 includes a third row of seating or intermediate/middle row seating positioned between the front row seating 32 and the rear row seating 34. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the rear row seating 34 is facing forward. In some embodiments, the rear row seating 34 is facing rearward. In some embodiments, the occupant seating area 30 does not include the rear row seating 34. In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of the rear row seating 34, the vehicle 10 includes one or more rear accessories. Such rear accessories may include a golf bag rack, a bed, a cargo body (e.g., for a drink cart), and/or other rear accessories.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the operator controls 40 are configured to provide an operator with the ability to control one or more functions of and/or provide commands to the vehicle 10 and the components thereof (e.g., turn on, turn off, drive, turn, brake, engage various operating modes, raise/lower an implement, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operator controls 40 include a steering interface (e.g., a steering wheel, joystick(s), etc.), shown steering wheel 42, an accelerator interface (e.g., a pedal, a throttle, etc.), shown as accelerator 44, a braking interface (e.g., a pedal), shown as brake 46, and one or more additional interfaces, shown as operator interface 48. The operator interface 48 may include one or more displays and one or more input devices. The one or more displays may be or include a touchscreen, a LCD display, a LED display, a speedometer, gauges, warning lights, etc. The one or more input device may be or include buttons, switches, knobs, levers, dials, etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the driveline 50 is configured to propel the vehicle 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the driveline 50 includes a primary driver, shown as prime mover 52, an energy storage device, shown as energy storage 54, a first tractive assembly (e.g., axles, wheels, tracks, differentials, etc.), shown as rear tractive assembly 56, and a second tractive assembly (e.g., axles, wheels, tracks, differentials, etc.), shown as front tractive assembly 58. In some embodiments, the driveline 50 is a conventional driveline whereby the prime mover 52 is an internal combustion engine and the energy storage 54 is a fuel tank. The internal combustion engine may be a spark-ignition internal combustion engine or a compression-ignition internal combustion engine that may use any suitable fuel type (e.g., diesel, ethanol, gasoline, natural gas, propane, etc.). In some embodiments, the driveline 50 is an electric driveline whereby the prime mover 52 is an electric motor (e.g., the motor 53) and the energy storage 54 is a battery system (e.g., the battery module 57, the add-on battery module(s) 59, etc.). In some embodiments, the driveline 50 is a fuel cell electric driveline whereby the prime mover 52 is an electric motor and the energy storage 54 is a fuel cell (e.g., that stores hydrogen, that produces electricity from the hydrogen, etc.). In some embodiments, the driveline 50 is a hybrid driveline whereby (i) the prime mover 52 includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor/generator and (ii) the energy storage 54 includes a fuel tank and/or a battery system. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the rear tractive assembly 56 includes rear tractive elements and the front tractive assembly 58 includes front tractive elements that are configured as wheels. In some embodiments, the rear tractive elements and/or the front tractive elements are configured as tracks.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the prime mover 52 is configured to provide power to drive the rear tractive assembly 56 and/or the front tractive assembly 58 (e.g., to provide front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and/or all-wheel drive operations). In some embodiments, the driveline 50 includes a transmission device (e.g., a gearbox, a continuous variable transmission (“CVT”), etc.) positioned between (a) the prime mover 52 and (b) the rear tractive assembly 56 and/or the front tractive assembly 58. The rear tractive assembly 56 and/or the front tractive assembly 58 may include a drive shaft, a differential, and/or an axle. In some embodiments, the rear tractive assembly 56 and/or the front tractive assembly 58 include two axles or a tandem axle arrangement. In some embodiments, the rear tractive assembly 56 and/or the front tractive assembly 58 are steerable (e.g., using the steering wheel 42). In some embodiments, both the rear tractive assembly 56 and the front tractive assembly 58 are fixed and not steerable (e.g., employ skid steer operations).

In some embodiments, the driveline 50 includes a plurality of prime movers 52. By way of example, the driveline 50 may include a first prime mover 52 that drives the rear tractive assembly 56 and a second prime mover 52 that drives the front tractive assembly 58. By way of another example, the driveline 50 may include a first prime mover 52 that drives a first one of the front tractive elements, a second prime mover 52 that drives a second one of the front tractive elements, a third prime mover 52 that drives a first one of the rear tractive elements, and/or a fourth prime mover 52 that drives a second one of the rear tractive elements. By way of still another example, the driveline 50 may include a first prime mover 52 that drives the front tractive assembly 58, a second prime mover 52 that drives a first one of the rear tractive elements, and a third prime mover 52 that drives a second one of the rear tractive elements. By way of yet another example, the driveline 50 may include a first prime mover 52 that drives the rear tractive assembly 56, a second prime mover 52 that drives a first one of the front tractive elements, and a third prime mover 52 that drives a second one of the front tractive elements.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the suspension system 60 includes one or more suspension components (e.g., shocks, dampers, springs, etc.) positioned between the frame 12 and one or more components (e.g., tractive elements, axles, etc.) of the rear tractive assembly 56 and/or the front tractive assembly 58. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 does not include the suspension system 60.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the braking system 70 includes one or more braking components (e.g., disc brakes, drum brakes, in-board brakes, axle brakes, etc.) positioned to facilitate selectively braking one or more components of the driveline 50. In some embodiments, the one or more braking components include (i) one or more front braking components positioned to facilitate braking one or more components of the front tractive assembly 58 (e.g., the front axle, the front tractive elements, etc.) and (ii) one or more rear braking components positioned to facilitate braking one or more components of the rear tractive assembly 56 (e.g., the rear axle, the rear tractive elements, etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more braking components include only the one or more front braking components. In some embodiments, the one or more braking components include only the one or more rear braking components. In some embodiments, the one or more front braking components include two front braking components, one positioned to facilitate braking each of the front tractive elements. In some embodiments, the one or more rear braking components include two rear braking components, one positioned to facilitate braking each of the rear tractive elements. In some embodiments, electric regenerative braking is employed (e.g., via the prime mover 52, an electric motor, etc.) in combination with or instead of using the braking system 70 to facilitate braking of one or more components of the driveline 50.

The sensors 90 may include various sensors positioned about the vehicle 10 to acquire vehicle information or vehicle data regarding operation of the vehicle 10 and/or the location thereof. By way of example, the sensors 90 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a compass, a position sensor (e.g., a GPS sensor, etc.), an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”), suspension sensor(s), wheel sensors, an audio sensor or microphone, a camera, an optical sensor, a proximity detection sensor, a Doppler sensor, and/or other sensors to facilitate acquiring vehicle information or vehicle data regarding operation of the vehicle 10 and/or the location thereof. According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the sensors 90 are configured to facilitate detecting and obtaining vehicle telemetry data including position of the vehicle 10, whether the vehicle 10 is moving, travel direction of the vehicle 10, slope of the vehicle 10, speed of the vehicle 10, vibrations experienced by the vehicle 10, sounds proximate the vehicle 10, suspension travel of components of the suspension system 60, and/or other vehicle telemetry data.

The vehicle control system 100 may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), one or more field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), a digital-signal-processor (“DSP”), circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle control system 100 includes a processing circuit 102, a memory 104, and a communications interface 106. The processing circuit 102 may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 102 is configured to execute computer code stored in the memory 104 to facilitate the activities described herein. The memory 104 may be any volatile or non-volatile or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory 104 includes computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by the processing circuit 102. In some embodiments, the vehicle control system 100 may represent a collection of processing devices. In such cases, the processing circuit 102 represents the collective processors of the devices, and the memory 104 represents the collective storage devices of the devices.

In one embodiment, the vehicle control system 100 is configured to selectively engage, selectively disengage, control, or otherwise communicate with components of the vehicle 10 (e.g., via the communications interface 106, a controller area network (“CAN”) bus, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle control system 100 is coupled to (e.g., communicably coupled to) components of the operator controls 40 (e.g., the steering wheel 42, the accelerator 44, the brake 46, the operator interface 48, etc.), components of the driveline 50 (e.g., the prime mover 52), components of the braking system 70, and the sensors 90. By way of example, the vehicle control system 100 may send and receive signals (e.g., control signals, location signals, etc.) with the components of the operator controls 40, the components of the driveline 50, the components of the braking system 70, the sensors 90, and/or remote systems or devices (via the communications interface 106 as described in greater detail herein).

Electrified Driveline

According to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 3, the driveline 50 of the vehicle 10 is configured as an electrified driveline where (a) the prime mover 52 is configured as a three-phase, alternating current (“AC”) electric motor, shown as motor 53, including three sets of windings, shown as motor windings 55, and a first sensor, shown as motor sensor 92; (b) the energy storage 54 is configured as a battery system including a first battery pack or module, shown as battery module 57, and one or more second battery packs or modules, shown as add-on battery module(s) 59, electrically coupled to the battery module 57 in parallel; and (c) the vehicle control system 100 includes (i) a first controller, shown as motor controller 110, coupled to the motor 53 and including a second sensor, shown as motor controller sensor 114, and (ii) a second controller, shown as battery management system (“BMS”) 112, coupled to the motor controller 110 and the energy storage 54 (e.g., the battery system, the battery module 57, the add-on battery module(s) 59, etc.) and including a third sensor, shown as BMS sensor 116. In some embodiments, the motor 53 is configured as a separately excited DC motor. The motor sensor 92, the motor controller sensor 114, and/or the BMS sensor 116 may include a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a speed sensor, and/or another suitable sensor to facilitate monitoring at least one of the operational parameters (e.g., temperature, voltage, current, speed, SOC, rate of charge, rate of discharge, etc.) of the motor 53, the motor controller 110, the BMS 112, the battery module 57, and/or the add-on battery modules(s) 59. The motor controller 110 and the BMS 112 may each include a processing circuit 102, a memory 104, and a communications interface 106.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the battery module 57 and the add-on battery module(s) 59 of the battery system includes one or more rows and/or groups of battery cells. The BMS 112 may be configured to monitor characteristics of the rows and/or groups of battery cells and/or individual cells of the battery module 57 and the add-on battery module(s) 59 (e.g., using data acquired by the BMS sensor 116) including, but not limited to, voltage, temperature, current, and state of charge (“SOC”). The BMS 112 may also be configured to provide direct current (“DC”) power from the battery system to the motor controller 110 to power the motor 53 based on driving demands of the vehicle 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the motor controller 110 is configured to manage the power supplied to the motor 53. By way of example, the motor controller 110 may be configured to modulate the voltage, current, phase, and/or frequency of the power sent to the motor windings 55, which can influence the torque and speed output provided by the motor 53. In some embodiments, the motor controller 110 is configured to control a type of power, AC power or DC power, delivered to the motor 53. By way of example, the motor controller 110 may be configured to convert the type of power from DC power to AC power and/or regulate the AC power or DC power depending on the intended function of the motor 53. The motor controller 110 may include components to invert, convert, or otherwise modulate DC power and/or AC power.

As shown in FIG. 3, the energy storage 54 is configured to supply (e.g., via electrical wiring, electrical connections, etc.) DC power to the motor controller 110. In some embodiments, the DC power flows from the energy storage 54, through the BMS 112, and to the motor controller 110. The BMS 112 and the motor controller 110 may include communication interfaces (e.g., communications interfaces 106) that facilitate exchanging data related to operational status, command signals, and feedback therebetween. The BMS 112 and the add-on battery module 59 (e.g., a BMS thereof) may include communication interfaces that facilitate exchanging data related to operational status, command signals, and feedback therebetween. The add-on battery module(s) 59 is(are) configured to provide additional battery cells and increase the total energy storage capacity of the energy storage 54. As shown in FIG. 3, the battery module 57 and the add-on battery module(s) 59 are connected in parallel (e.g., via wires, connection busses, etc.) to provide for a pathway of electrical transfer. In other embodiments, the battery module 57 and the add-on battery module(s) 59 are connected in series.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the BMS 112 is configured to monitor (e.g., continuously, periodically, etc.) various parameters of the energy storage 54, including voltage, current, and temperature of each cell, rows/groups, and/or module within the energy storage 54. In some embodiments, the BMS 112 is configured to calculate or otherwise determine the SOC of the energy storage 54, the battery module 57, and/or the add-on battery module(s) 59. In some embodiments, the BMS 112 is configured to redistribute charge among the cells, rows/groups, and/or the modules to ensure an equal or substantially equal charge level throughout the energy storage 54. The BMS 112 can communicate with other systems or components of the vehicle 10 or with external devices (e.g., the remote systems 240) to report on battery status and diagnostics and/or to receive control commands.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the BMS 112 is configured to detect faults or failures in the energy storage 54 that may potentially lead to or that have caused an overcharge condition and, thereby, a thermal runaway event. By way of example, the BMS 112 may be configured to monitor the voltage of individual cells, rows/groups, or modules of the energy storage 54, and when deviations from normal voltage levels occur beyond a nominal range, the BMS 112 may determine that a fault or failure is present and that there is a potential for an overcharge condition or that there is an actual overcharge condition. In some implementations, the BMS 112 is configured to detect voltage imbalance or voltage imbalance trends. By way of another example, the BMS 112 may additionally or alternatively be configured to monitor current flows during charging and discharging of the energy storage 54 and identify unexpected fluctuations in current that may indicate that a fault or failure is present and that there is a potential for an overcharge condition or that there is an actual overcharge condition. By way of still another example, the BMS 112 may additionally or alternatively be configured to monitor the temperature of the cells, rows/groups, and/or modules of the energy storage 54 and identify anomalously high temperatures that may indicate that a fault or failure is present and that there is a potential for an overcharge condition or that there is an actual overcharge condition. It should be understood that the above example of detecting faults, failures, or overcharge conditions is provided for example purposes only and is not exhaustive. Other methods or techniques may be implemented to detect faults, failures, or overcharge conditions, which are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Additional details regarding fault detection regarding the energy storage 54 is described in greater detail herein. Further details regarding fault detection, including voltage imbalance, may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/884,363, filed Sep. 13, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Golf Infotainment System

As shown in FIG. 4, a site monitoring and control system, shown as golf infotainment system 200, includes one or more vehicles 10; one or more second sensors, shown as user sensors 220, positioned remote or separate from the vehicles 10; an operator interface, shown as user portal 230, positioned remote or separate from the vehicles 10; an external or remote user device, shown as user device 232, positioned remote or separate from the vehicles 10; at least one golf simulation system, shown as golf simulator 310, positioned remote or separate from a golf course and described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 7; and one or more external processing systems, shown as remote systems 240, positioned remote or separate from the vehicles 10. The vehicles 10, the user sensors 220, the user portal 230, the golf simulator 310, and the remote systems 240 communicate via one or more communications protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, through the Internet, etc.) through a network, shown as communications network 210. In some embodiments, the golf infotainment system 200 does not includes the user portal 230 and/or the user device 232.

The user sensors 220 may be or include one or more sensors that are carried by or worn by an operator of one of the vehicles 10. By way of example, the user sensors 220 may be or include a wearable sensor (e.g., a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, etc.) and/or a sensor that is otherwise carried by the operator (e.g., a smartphone, etc.) that facilitates acquiring and monitoring operator data (e.g., physiological conditions such a temperature, heartrate, breathing patterns, etc. ; location; movement; etc.) regarding the operator. The user sensors 220 may communicate directly with the vehicles 10, directly with the remote systems 240, and/or indirectly with the remote systems 240 (e.g., through the vehicles 10 as an intermediary).

The user portal 230 may be configured to facilitate operator access to dashboards including the vehicle data, the operator data, information available at the remote systems 240, etc. to manage and operate the site (e.g., golf course) such as for advanced scheduling purposes, to identify persons breaking course guidelines or rules, to monitor locations of the vehicles 10, etc. The user portal 230 may also be configured to facilitate operator implementation of configurations and/or parameters for the vehicles 10 and/or the site (e.g., setting speed limits, setting geofences, etc.). As shown in FIG. 4, the user portal 230 is accessible via the user device 232. The user device 232 may be or include a computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or the like. The user portal 230 and the user device 232 may communicate via one or more communications protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, through the Internet, wired connection, etc.) through a network (e.g., a CAN bus, the communications network 210, etc.). The user device 232 includes a display (e.g., a screen, etc.) configured to display one or more graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”) of the user portal 230.

As shown in FIG. 4, the remote systems 240 include a first remote system, shown as off-site server 250, and a second remote system, shown as on-site system 260 (e.g., in a clubhouse of a golf course, on the golf course, etc.). In some embodiments, the remote systems 240 include only one of the off-site server 250 or the on-site system 260. As shown in FIG. 4, (a) the off-site server 250 includes a processing circuit 252, a memory 254, and a communications interface 256 and (b) the on-site system 260 includes a processing circuit 262, a memory 264, and a communications interface 266.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote systems 240 (e.g., the off-site server 250 and/or the on-site system 260) are configured to communicate with the vehicles 10 and/or the user sensors 220 via the communications network 210. By way of example, the remote systems 240 may receive the vehicle data from the vehicles 10 and/or the operator data from the user sensors 220. The remote systems 240 may be configured to perform back-end processing of the vehicle data and/or the operator data. The remote systems 240 may be configured to monitor various global positioning system (“GPS”) information and/or real-time kinematics (“RTK”) information (e.g., position/location, speed, direction of travel, geofence related information, etc.) regarding the vehicles 10 and/or the user sensors 220. The remote systems 240 may be configured to transmit information, data, commands, and/or instructions to the vehicles 10 and/or the golf simulator(s) 310. By way of example, the remote systems 240 may be configured to transmit GPS data and/or RTK data based on the GPS information and/or RTK information to the vehicles 10 (e.g., which the vehicle control systems 100 may use to make control decisions). By way of another example, the remote systems 240 may send commands or instructions to the vehicles 10 to implement.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote systems 240 (e.g., the off-site server 250 and/or the on-site system 260) are configured to communicate with the user portal 230 via the communications network 210. By way of example, the user portal 230 may facilitate (a) accessing the remote systems 240 to access data regarding the vehicles 10 and/or the operators thereof and/or (b) configuring or setting operating parameters for the vehicles 10 (e.g., geofences, speed limits, times of use, permitted operators, etc.). Such operating parameters may be propagated to the vehicles 10 by the remote systems 240 (e.g., as updates to settings) and/or used for real time control of the vehicles 10 by the remote systems 240.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the golf infotainment system 200, including the vehicle control system 100, the user sensors 220, the user portal 230, the golf simulator(s) 310, and the remote systems 240, is configured to facilitate implementing a golf infotainment system associated with a golf course. Further, it should be understood that any of the functions or processes described herein with respect to the golf infotainment system 200 may be performed by the vehicle control system 100, the golf simulator(s) 310, and/or the remote systems 240. By way of example, data collection may be performed by the vehicle control system 100 and data analytics may be performed by the vehicle control system 100. By way of another example, data collection may be performed by the golf simulator(s) 310 and data analytics may be performed by the golf simulator(s) 310. By way of another example, data collection may be performed by the vehicle control system 100 and/or the golf simulator(s) 310, and data analytics may be performed by the remote systems 240. By way of yet another example, data collection may be performed by the vehicle control system 100 and/or the golf simulator(s) 310, a first portion of data analytics may be performed by the vehicle control system 100 and/or the golf simulator(s) 310, and a second portion of data analytics may be performed by the remote systems 240. By way of still another example, a first portion of data collection may be performed by the vehicle control system 100, a second portion of data collection may be performed by the remote systems 240, a third portion of data collection may be performed by the golf simulator(s) 310, and data analytics may be performed by the vehicle control system 100, the golf simulator(s) 310, and/or the remote systems 240. The golf infotainment system will be described herein in the context of FIGS. 5-8.

As shown in FIG. 5, the golf infotainment system 200 is configured to acquire or receive various inputs relating to a golf course and/or a golf simulator, shown as inputs 242and provide one or more outputs, shown as outputs 246, a user of the golf infotainment system 200 (e.g., a golfer at the golf course, a golfer using the golf simulator, etc.). The inputs 242 may be acquired or received via a plurality of sensors (e.g., sensors 90, user sensors 220, sensors 304, etc.) and/or from memory (e.g., the memory 254, the memory 264, etc.). As described in greater detail below, the outputs 246 may be provided to a user of the golf infotainment system 200 via one or more devices or systems (e.g., the vehicle 10, the user sensors 220, the user device 232, the golf simulator 310, etc.). In some embodiments, the golf infotainment system 200 is at least partially part of the off-site server 250. Alternatively or additionally, the golf infotainment system 200 is at least partially part of the on-site system 260.

As shown in FIG. 5, the inputs 242 include a performance of a golfer. In some embodiments, the golfer refers to a golfer currently playing a round of golf at a physical location of a golf course (e.g., golf course 300, as shown in FIG. 6). Alternatively or additionally, the golfer refers to a golfer currently using the golf simulator 310 (e.g., a virtual representation of the golf course 300). The performance may include (a) a current performance of the golfer during the round of golf and/or on the golf simulator 310 and/or (b) a previous performance of the golfer. For instance, the previous performance of the golfer may include a performance on the same golf course, on a different golf course, on the golf simulator 310, and so on. The performance includes various indicators regarding how the golfer is playing or previously played a round of golf at a respective golf course. For example, the performance may include how well the golfer scored on a particular hole (e.g., relative to a par score for the hole), a distance reached by the golfer, a shot trajectory of shots of the golfer, a club selection, etc.

In addition to the performance of the golfer, the inputs 242 include a performance of peers of the golfer. The peers of the golfer may include friends, family members, colleagues, and so on, of the golfer. In this way, the remote systems 240 may identify other golfers with whom the golfer is competing against during a round of golf, for example. The performance of the peers of the golfer includes past performances, real-time performances, performances during a round of golf on a physical location of a golf course (e.g., golf course 300), performances on a golf simulation (e.g., via golf simulator 310), and so on. In some instances, the performance may include statistics such as how well the peers scored on a particular hole (e.g., relative to a par score for the hole), a distance reached by the peers, a shot trajectory of shots of the peers, a club selection, etc.

According to some embodiments, in addition to the performance of the golfer, the inputs 242 include a performance of golfers of a comparable skill to the golfer. In some embodiments, the comparable skill of the golfer is defined or determined by a handicap, an average per round score, an average per hole score, a number of rounds played, and so on. For example, if the golfer has a five handicap, the golfers of the comparable skill may also have a five handicap or a handicap substantially the same as a five handicap (e.g., a four handicap, a six handicap, etc.). As another example, if the golfer's drive typically reaches 200 yards down the fairway, the golfers of the comparable skill may be golfers who also drove around 200 yards on the same hole.

Furthermore, the inputs 242 include real-time and/or past weather conditions on a golf course with which the golf infotainment system 200 is associated. The weather conditions may obtained by various sensors (e.g., sensors 304, as shown in FIG. 6) positioned around the golf course and/or from weather services (e.g., access by the remote systems 240). In some embodiments, the weather conditions include a temperature, a humidity level, a UV index, an amount of precipitation, a type of precipitation (e.g., snow, rain, sleet, hail, etc.), a range of visibility (e.g., fog), a windspeed, a windchill, a wind direction, and so on.

The inputs 242 also or otherwise include a performance of one or more celebrity golfers on a same golf course as the golf course with which the golf infotainment system 200 is associated. The celebrity golfer refers to a touring golfer, a retired golfer, another type of celebrity athlete (e.g., professional football player, basketball player, baseball player, etc.), an actor/actress, a musician, or any other celebrity figure. In some embodiments, the performance includes the celebrity golfer's score on a particular hole, a distance reached by the celebrity golfer on a particular hole, the celebrity golfer's score for an entire round at the golf course, a shot trajectory of shots of the celebrity golfer, a club selection, and so on.

Additionally or alternatively, the inputs 242 include golf course metrics such as distances, green speeds, water saturation levels, grass heights, hole layout (e.g., pin positions, tee box positions, hazard locations (e.g., sand traps, water, trees, etc.), out of bounds, fairway locations, rough locations, etc.), and so on. In some embodiments, the golf course metrics are real-time metrics of the golf course at a time when a user (e.g., golfer) is interacting with the golf infotainment system 200. According to other embodiments, the golf course metrics are past metrics of the golf course at a previous point in time (e.g., stored by memory 254 and/or memory 264 of the remote systems 240).

As shown in FIG. 5, the golf infotainment system 200 is configured to, based on the inputs 242, generate one or more of the outputs 246. For instance, in some embodiments, the outputs 246 include instruction from professional golfers or a resident golf pro at the respective golf course. The instruction may include feedback regarding how a golfer can improve their performance relative to the performance of the golfer received from the inputs 242. For example, the feedback may include an adjustment to the golfer's form when swinging a golf club, a suggested club to use, a read on a green, where to aim, and so on. In some embodiments, the professional golfers are professional golfers who have played on the golf course before, professional golfers associated with the golf course (e.g., employed by, members of, etc.), touring golfers, and so on. In some embodiments, the golf infotainment system 200 identifies the instruction from a database of instructions from the professional golfers. For example, if the inputs 242 show that a golfer is taking an approach shot from a sand trap, the golf infotainment system 200 may be configured to retrieve the professional golfers' advice regarding what club to use for a sand shot, how to position the body during a sand shot, how much power to exert during a sand shot, etc.

As another example, the outputs 246 may include a comparison of a golfer's performance to a previous performance of the golfer. In some instances, the previous performance of the golfer is a previous performance on a same hole that the golfer is currently playing, on a different hole of a same course where the golfer is currently playing, on a different course than where the golfer is currently playing, and so on. According to other instances, the previous performance of the golfer is a previous performance during a golf simulation (e.g., via golf simulator 310). The comparison includes statistics such as how much father or shorter the golfer hits the ball, how much higher or lower the golfer's score on a particular hole is, how much higher or lower the golfer's score for a round of golf is, etc.

Additionally or alternatively, the outputs 274 may include a comparison of a golfer's performance to a performance of peers of the golfer. In some embodiments, the golfer's performance is a real-time performance being compared to a real-time performance of the peers. For example, if the golfer is playing a round of golf at X Golf Course, and three friends of the golfer are playing a round of golf at Y Golf Course at the same time, the golf infotainment system 244 may be configured to compare the performance of the golfer at X Golf Course to the performance of the three friends at Y Golf Course. As another example, if the golfer is using the golf simulator 310, the golfer's real-time performance on a simulation of Hole 3 at Y Golf Course may be compared to a real-time performance of the three friends of the golfer on Hole 3 at Y Golf Course. In other embodiments where the golfer's performance is a real-time performance, the golfer's performance is compared to a past performance of the peers. For example, if the golfer is using the golf simulator 310, the golfer's real-time performance on a simulation of Hole 3 at Z Golf Course may be compared to a past performance of the peers of the golfers on Hole 3 at Z Golf Course.

Further, according to embodiments where the inputs 242 include the performance of celebrity golfers on the same golf course, the outputs 246 include a comparison of a golfer's performance to the performance of the celebrity golfers. In various instances where the golfer is using the golf simulator 310, the performance of the celebrity golfers refers to the performance of the celebrity golfers at a physical location of a golf course being represented by the golf simulator 310. In this way, a golfer using the golf simulator 310 may select a particular golf course where a specific celebrity golfer has played such that the golfer can play against the celebrity golfer via the golf simulator 310.

According to some embodiments, the outputs 246 include a club suggestion. The club suggestion refers to recommended club for the golfer to use during a current shot on the golf course. The club suggestion is based on the inputs 242, such as the performance of golfers of a comparable skill, a past performance of the golfer, the real-time weather conditions, the golf course metrics, etc. For example, if the user is taking a first shot on a par-three hole where the pin is 125 yards from the tee box, the club suggestion may be a 7-iron based on past performance of the golfer, past performance of comparable golfers, current wind conditions, etc..

In some instances, such as where the inputs 242 include the performance of the golfers of a comparable skill, the outputs 246 include instruction based on a previous performance of other golfers in a comparable situation as a current golfer. That is, the comparable situation refers to a same location on a hole. For example, if a golfer hits the ball into a sand trap, the instruction may be provided to the golfer based on previous responses from golfers who have also hit a ball into the same sand trap. The instruction may include suggestions such as a club to use, where to aim, how much power to exert during the swing, etc.

As shown in FIG. 5, the outputs 274 may include an impact of the real-time and/or past weather conditions received from the inputs 272. That is, the golf infotainment system 200 is configured to determine how various weather conditions impact a golfer's performance. During a golf simulation, then, the golf simulator 310 dynamically adjusts physics of the golf session within the golf simulator based on the weather conditions. For example, if the weather conditions include a 10 mph tailwind, the golf simulator may apply an additional force onto the golf ball while travelling through the air, as if the golf ball was impacted by the 10 mph tailwind. In this way, the golf simulator 310 adjusts the player's performance based on how weather conditions might affect the player in a non-simulation round of golf.

As shown in FIG. 6, a schematic view of a golf course, shown as golf course 300, is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. A golfer, shown as golfer 302, is depicted playing a round of golf on the golf course 300. The golf course 300 also includes a plurality of sensors, shown as sensors 304, positioned around the golf course 300. In some instances, the sensors 304 include, but are not limited to, the sensors 90 and/or the user sensors 220, as described above. The sensors 304 are coupled with at least one of a golf ball, a golf club, a golf cart, a mobile device, or a fixture located on the golf course 300. For instance, the sensors 304 are shown in FIG. 6 as coupled to multiple trees or structures (e.g., a tower, a building, a tee box fixture, etc.) around the golf course 300, a golf ball, a golf club currently being used by the golfer 302, the vehicle 10, one or more golf clubs in the golfer's bag (e.g., shown as golf bag 308), on the pin, etc. In some embodiments, the sensors 304 include at least one of a motion detector, a global positioning system (“GPS”) sensor, or a camera, shown as camera 306. As shown in FIG. 6, the camera 306 is coupled to the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, a plurality of the cameras 306 are additionally or alternatively disposed about the golf course 300. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the sensors 304 is configured to measure an environmental condition of a golf course (e.g., and provide the real-time and/or past weather conditions, as described above with reference to the inputs 242).

In some embodiments, the sensors 304 are configured to communicate using a communication protocol including at least one of radio (“LoRa”), cellular, ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth low energy (“BLE”). Furthermore, the sensors 304 are configured to communicate information to the remote systems 240, as shown in FIG. 6. In some instances, the remote systems 240 are configured to perform triangulation using the sensors 304 to determine a location of at least one of a golf ball, a golf club, a golf cart, or the golfer. In this way, the information collected, measured, obtained, or otherwise acquired by the sensors 304 is used by the remote systems 240 as the inputs 242 to the golf infotainment system 200.

As shown in FIG. 7, a schematic view of the golf simulator 310 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 also depicts the golfer 302 and at least one sensor 304 configured to monitor the performance of the golfer 302 at the golf simulator 310. As an example embodiment, the golf simulator 310 may be configured to simulate the golf course 300 shown in FIG. 6. The golf simulator 310 is shown to include a display with various information relating to a golf simulation performed by the golf simulator 310. The information may include golf course information (e.g., a name of the golf course) and/or hole information (e.g., whether the whole is a par 3, a par 4, a par 5, etc.). For example, if the golfer 302 is simulating a round of golf at Golf Course A, and is currently on hole number 8, which is a par 3, such information may be included on a display of the golf simulator 310. In some embodiments, the display includes other metrics relating to the golf course (e.g., the golf course metrics included in the inputs 242), such as a green speed, a yardage of the hole currently being played, and so on.

In some embodiments, the golf simulator 310 is used to simulate a competition between the golfer 302 and at least one additional golfer. According to various instances, the at least one additional golfer is also using the golf simulator 310. In other instances, the at least one additional golfer is playing a round of golf concurrently or previously played the round at the golf course that is represented by the golf simulator 310. As shown in FIG. 7, the golf simulator displays a player currently taking a swing during the competition. For example, the display may show that it is currently “Player 3's Drive.”

In some embodiments, the golf simulator 310 displays statistics, shown as player statistics 312, associated with a performance of the golfer 302. The player statistics 312 include statistics such as a club head speed associated with a swing of the golfer 302, a distance reached by the golfer 302 with a swing, ball speed, ball flight metrics, ball spin, etc. The clubhead speed and the distance may be calculated based on measurements received from the sensor 304, which is configured to detect movement at the golf simulator 310.

As described above, the golf simulator 310 is configured to apply environmental conditions (e.g., detected by at least one of the sensors 304 positioned around the golf course 300, as shown in FIG. 6), shown as weather conditions 314, to the simulation. In some embodiments, the weather conditions 314 include real-time weather conditions detected at the golf course 300. According to other embodiments, the weather conditions 314 include past weather conditions detected at the golf course 300 (e.g., weather conditions when the opponents in the simulation played at the golf course 300). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the weather conditions may include a northeast (NE) wind travelling at 12 mph, and zero inches of precipitation. Where the weather conditions 314 include the real-time weather or past weather conditions detected at the golf course 300, the golf simulator 310 acquires the weather conditions from the sensors 304 or memory, and dynamically adjusts physics of the golf session within the golf simulator 310 based on the acquired weather conditions.

In some embodiments, the golf simulator 310 also displays a suggested club, shown as club suggestions 316, for the golfer 302 to use during a current swing. The club suggestion 316 may be provided as an output 246 of the golf infotainment system 200 based on various inputs 242 such as a current performance of the golfer on the golf simulator 310, a previous performance of the golfer, previous performance of other golfers, golf course metrics (e.g., yardage of the hole), weather conditions, etc. In the example depicted in FIG. 7, where the golf simulator 310 is simulating a par 3 where the distance to the pin is 125 yards, the club suggestions 316 may be a 7-iron. As another example, if the golf simulator simulates a par-5 where the distance to the pin is 350 yards, but the performance of the golfer 302 reveals that the golfer 302 does not swing a driver well, the club suggestion 316 may be a two-iron.

The virtual representation of the golf course 300 generated by the golf simulator 310 depicts a past performance of the golfer 302, shown as personal best 317, a past performance of a celebrity golfer, shown as celebrity best 318, and/or the performance of peers of the golfer, shown as peer performance 319. The personal best 317 represents a location on the simulation of the golf course 300 where the golfer 302 has hit a best shot on a same hole, either at a physical location of the golf course 300 or on a virtual simulation of the golf course 300, at the hole that the golfer 302 is currently playing. Similarly, the celebrity best 318 represents a location on the simulation of the golf course 300 where a celebrity golfer (e.g., as described above with reference to the inputs 242) has hit a best shot on the same hole, either at a physical location of the golf course 300 or on a virtual simulation of the golf course 300, at the hole that the golfer 302 is currently playing.

According to embodiments where the golfer 302 is currently playing in a competition with one or more additional golfers, the peer performance 319 represents a location where each of the one or more additional golfers has landed a shot on the hole. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if the golfer 302 is a third golfer to take a drive on hole number 3 during the competition, the results of the first golfer's drive and the second golfer's drive are shown as the peer performance 319 on the display of the golf simulator 310. In this way, the golfer 302 can engage in competition against other players who are playing on the same golf simulator 310, on a different golf simulator 310, and/or at the physical location of the golf course 300 (e.g., the performance of the other players being monitored by the sensors 304 positioned around the golf course 300).

As shown in FIG. 8, a method 320 for using the golf infotainment system of FIG. 5 is shown. In some embodiments, the method 320 is performed by the golf infotainment system 200, the vehicle control system 100, the remote systems 240, and/or the golf simulator 310.

At step 322, a control system (e.g., the golf infotainment system 200, the vehicle control system 100, the remote systems 240, the golf simulator 310, etc.) is configured to receive an initiation of a golf session from a golfer (e.g., golfer 302). In some embodiments, the golf session includes at least one of a round of golf at a golf course (e.g., the golf course 300) or a golf simulation on a virtual representation of the golf course (e.g., via the golf simulator 310). Further, in some instances, the initiation of the golf session includes a request for instruction (e.g., instruction provided among the outputs 246, as described above). Additionally or alternatively, the initiation of the golf session includes an initiation of a competition between the golfer 302 and a second golfer during the golf session. As an example, the golfer 302 may be currently or previously physically present on the golf course 300, while the second golfer may be currently or previously present at the golf simulator 310. As another example, the golfer 302 may be currently or previously physically present on the golf course 300 and the second golfer may be currently or previously physically present on the golf course 300. As yet another example, the golfer 302 may be currently or previously physically present at the golf simulator 310 and the second golfer may be currently or previously physically present at the golf simulator 310.

At step 324, the control system is configured to monitor, via one or more sensors, a performance of the golfer during the golf session initiated at step 322. At least one sensor of the one or more sensors is configured to be positioned on a golf course, such as the sensors 304 shown in FIG. 6 to be positioned around the golf course 300. As described above, the at least one sensor is coupled with a golf ball, a golf club, a golf cart, a mobile device, a tree, and/or a fixture located on the golf course. In some embodiments where the golfer 302 and/or a second golfer is at the golf simulator 310, at least a second of the one or more sensors is configured to be positioned at a golf simulator (e.g., sensor 304 positioned at the golf simulator 310, as shown in FIG. 7). Furthermore, where the golfer 302 is playing in a competition with a second golfer, the performance of the golfer 302 is a first performance, and step 324 includes acquiring a second performance of the second golfer. Then, in such instances, the first performance of the first golfer is compared to the second performance of the second golfer.

In some embodiments, the performance monitored at step 324 is then stored (e.g., in memory 254 and/or memory 264 of the remote systems 240) for a future reference by the golf infotainment system 200. For instance, the performance is stored for future reference such that the performance is retrievable for use during at least one of a round of golf at the golf course 300 or a golf simulation on a virtual representation of the golf course (e.g., using the golf simulator 310) at a future point in time. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the performance monitored at step 324 is transmitted to the golf simulator 310 in real-time.

At step 326, the control system is configured to provide, via a display device, feedback based on the performance of the golfer. The feedback includes any of the outputs 246 of the golf infotainment system 200, as described above with reference to FIG. 5. Where step 324 includes monitoring the first performance and the second performance, the feedback provided at step 326 is based on the first performance and the second performance during a competition between two golfers. Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, the feedback includes at least one of a club suggestion (e.g., club suggestion 316), a comparison of the performance with a past performance of the golfer, a comparison of the performance with a past performance of another golfer, a green speed, or a yardage determination. Where the initiation of the golf session at step 322 includes a request for instruction, the feedback provided at step 326 includes an instruction for improving the first performance of the first golfer in response to the request for instruction. Additionally or alternatively, where the initiation of the golf session includes an initiation of a competition between the golfer 302 and a second golfer, the feedback provided at step 326 includes a determination of a winner in response to the initiation of the competition between the golfer 302 and the second golfer. The display device include the user device 232, the operator interface 48 of the vehicle 10, and/or the golf simulator 310.

As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/−10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single-or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the vehicle 10 and the systems and components thereof (e.g., the body 20, the operator controls 40, the driveline 50, the suspension system 60, the braking system 70, the sensors 90, the vehicle control system 100, etc.), and the golf infotainment system 200 (e.g., the remote systems 240, the user portal 230, the user sensors 220, the golf simulator(s) 310, etc.) as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.