GOLF ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon and claims the right of priority to GB Patent Application No. 2419063.9, filed Dec. 24, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a golf assistance device, such as a golf assistance device configured to provide golf specific mapping and/or location data for use in a game of golf.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In the sport of golf, access to detailed golf course layout information and key golf course reference points can be beneficial in allowing the golfer to make more informed decisions regarding a game of golf. Examples of potentially beneficial information include exact distance, position, angle and altitude of an intended target in relation to a golfer's location on the golf course or the location of the golfer's ball on the golf course. In the act of playing golf, a golfer will utilise golf course layout information including the position of the tees, fairway, bunkers, hazards, water, rough, trees and green to influence strategy, club selection, type of golf shot and intention in relation to an intended target and through this data deliver improved golf performance. Golf course layouts, e.g. tees, fairway, bunkers, hazards, water, rough, trees and green information and reference points, vary significantly from golf course to golf course. When a golfer has access to information such as golf course visuals, layout or exact reference points, the golfer can visualise the golf course, golf hole or golf shot prior to or during play and access key reference points on the course, the probability of improved golf performance significantly improves.

Historically physical paper or cardboard maps and scorecards were used to provide a level of map information to a golfer. However, these solutions are limited due to the physical space available, given what a golfer could carry in a pocket or golf bag. Furthermore, using static paper based information often has inaccuracies, e.g. in determining the exact location of the golfer or ball with respect to the map and exact measurement of distances, orientations and altitudes, and are limited in the amount and relevance of information that is provided. In addition, the use of static information sources such as maps and scorecards is often time-consuming, burdensome and can break a golfer's concentration on the round of golf. Paper based information can also be out of date, e.g. with regards to pin positions, tee positions, and the like.

The use of global positioning technology and other on-course technology to help or benefit the golfer is known. Global Positioning Systems for golf are available in numerous different golf specific devices, such as handheld devices, cart mounted devices and wearable devices. Known devices include a global positioning system integrated circuit and antenna proving locational data services, and a microcontroller or microprocessor for monitoring status of the device and hosting embedded software, which, when combined, deliver pre-programmed features or solutions that aid golf performance. Such devices could include an integrated memory circuit to host and process golf course data reference points, an accelerometer to identify rotation or motion of the device, a liquid crystal or other display that delivers golf course reference points and golf course information to golfer or user both during golf play or away from the golf course and either or both buttons or touch screen technology providing the golfer with the capability to enter data or control functionality of the device.

However, despite being a general improvement on paper based methods, devices available in the market have limited functionality due to the physical size and space available on the integrated memory circuit that restricts the number of golf course maps that can be uploaded to the device and the specific number of reference points that deliver map detail such as tee box, fairway, bunker, hazard, water, trees, green, out of bounds, pin position, altitude, contour data and other relevant golf data such as course name, imagery, video, scorecard, par, hole distance, stroke index, designer, contact details and course overview. This information is valuable to the golfer and when referenced can help the golfer make better decisions during play and ultimately improve golf performance.

Basic electronic global positioning system devices used within golf provide a restricted level of detail and information in relation to golf course maps and distance between the golfer and intended target. It is desirable for a golfer to have access to advanced golf map information that provides a higher level of detail for a large number or all golf courses in the world. This additional functionality would allow the golfer to improve their golf performance. Prior devices include golf global positioning system devices that provide a level of restricted golf map information and a restricted number of golf courses stored within the device. The global positioning systems in such devices all provide the distance between target and the golfer or golf ball location to an accuracy of between 1 meter to 10 meters. This is delivered and provided from global positioning system satellites accessed and widely used by all commercially used global positioning systems or devices both for golf and other uses outside golf such as automotive, sport, health or asset tracking. Historically this range of 1 meter to 10 meters accuracy provided golfers with global positioning system devices that delivered an appropriate level of accuracy in relation to distance to intended target and level of detail in relation to golf course maps.

Current golf global positioning systems have historically displayed golf course map information viewed from above similar to a physical map on paper or an LCD display embedded in the electronic device. Golf map data and information is commonly manually collected through a person visiting the physical golf course and walking the golf course to map details and information relating to every hole. Manually mapping a golf course through this method requires the mapper to be physically present at the golf course. The act of manually collecting golf course information has potential to result in human error and inaccuracies during collection golf map data. With limited physical size of integrated memory within an electronic device specifically for use in golf, a golfer may have to manually upload and download golf maps from a cloud location, internet or website to efficiently use the allocated memory on the electronic device. The process of uploading or downloading golf course maps to an electronic device is not desirable for the golfer. For example, golf courses can be remote with a poor cellular communications signal, or data connections can be slow, expensive or unreliable and satellite location applications can have significant energy requirements, which can be problematic in portable battery-powered devices. As such, it would be better for an electronic device for golf to have a large number or all golf courses programmed on first day of purchase.

As technology has advanced in general, golfers expect improved global positioning accuracy, an advanced level of golf course map detail and improved functionality in all electronic devices. There is a need to assist the golfer to view the golf course layout including tees, fairway, bunkers, hazards, water, trees, green and pin in a higher level of detail and to obtain a more accurate distance between intended target and golfer or golf ball. However, size, weight and battery life of these devices is important, and this can present a significant engineering challenge to meet all of these conflicting requirements. The combination of more detailed golf course information and layout combined with more accuracy in relation to distance to target assists the golfer to make better decisions in relation to strategy, club selection, type of golf shot and intention in relation to intended target and therefore potentially improve their golf performance. However, the device still needs to be portable, compact, lightweight and have sufficient battery lifetime to allow it to be carried easily around a golf course and to minimise inconvenience.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present invention are defined in the independent claims. Some preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first example of the present disclosure is a golf assistance device comprising: a positioning system for determining a location of the golf assistance device or another location derived therefrom; an on-board memory for storing golf course geospatial information for a plurality of golf courses; and processing circuitry for determining and providing golf data from one or both of: the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom from the positioning system and the golf course geospatial information of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses stored on the on-board memory; wherein the positioning system is a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands in order to determine the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom.

The golf data comprises one or more of: distance, bearing, location, elevation and/or change in elevation from the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom to a user selected location on a golf course from the plurality of golf courses and/or at least one golf course feature of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses.

The positioning system may be configured to operate using at least one frequency band from the upper L-band. The positioning system may be configured to operate using at least one frequency band from the lower-L-band. For example, the positioning system may be configured to operate using at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and at least one frequency band from the lower-L-band.

The upper L-band may extend from 1544 MHz to 1610 MHz. The upper L-band may comprise the E1, L1 and G1 frequency bands. The E1 frequency band may extend from 1559 MHz to 1591 MHz. The L1 frequency band may extend from 1563 MHz to 1587 MHz. The G1 band may extend from 1593 MHz to 1610 MHz. The lower L-band may extend from 1164 MHz to 1300 MHz. The lower L-band may comprise the L2, L5, G2, G3, E5, E5a, E5b and E6 frequency bands. The L2 frequency band may extend from 1215 MHz to 1239.6 MHz, the L5 frequency band may extend from 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz. The G2 frequency band may extend from 1237 MHz to 1254 MHz and the G3 frequency band may extend from 1189 MHz to 1214 MHz. The E5 frequency band may extend from 1164 MHz to 1214 MHz, the E5a frequency band may extend from 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz, the E5b frequency band may extend from 1189 MHz to 1214 MHz and the E6 frequency band may extend from 1260 MHz to 1300 MH.

The positioning system may be configured to operate using at least one frequency band selected from one or more of: the L1, E1 and/or G1 frequency bands and/or at least one frequency band selected from at least one of: the L2, L5, G2, G3, E5, E5a, E5b and/or E6 frequency bands. The positioning system may be configured to operate using:

• • at least one frequency band from at least one of: the L1, E1 and/or G1 band; and
  • at least one frequency band from at least one of: the L5 and/or E5 bands.

The positioning system may be configured to repeatedly switch between measurements in different frequency bands of the at least two frequency bands, during use. The positioning system may be configured to continuously, periodically and/or automatically switch between measurements in different frequency bands of the at least two frequency bands, during use. The switching between the different frequency bands may be performed in the order of nanoseconds, i.e. the positioning system may be configured to receive signals in a given frequency band for a time that is in the order of nanoseconds (e.g. 1 ns to 999 ns, which may be further confined to a period in a range from 1 ns to 99 ns or from 1 ns to 9.9 ns). In some examples, the switching may comprise switching between the L1 band and the L5 band, or between at least one of: the L1, E1 and/or G1 band and at least one of: the L5 and/or E5 bands, wherein the switching may be performed in the order of nanoseconds. In some examples, the switching may comprise switching between at least one frequency band in the upper L-band and at least one frequency band in the lower L-band. That is, the positioning system may be configured to repeatedly switch between measurements in the at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and measurements in the at least one frequency band from the lower-L-band, during use, optionally wherein the switching is performed in the order of nanoseconds.

The positioning system may be configured to determine the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom to an accuracy of from 0.5 m to 1 m or less; and/or the golf course geospatial information comprises data to an accuracy of from 0.5 m to 1 m or less. The positioning system may be configured to determine longitude and latitude of the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom so that the resolution of the location is to 1 m or less, but optionally above 0.5 m.

The golf assistance device may comprise a display configured to display a representation of at least part of the golf course and the location of the golf assistance device or the location derived therefrom with respect to the at least part of the golf course. The representation may be a map view of the golf course, such as an overhead or plan view of the golf course. The map view may be configured to comprise, and optionally highlight and/or allow selection of, golf course features, such as greens, tees, fairway, rough, bunkers, water and other hazards. The display may be a touch-screen display, configured to receive user-input. The user input may comprise selection of a position or golf course feature, which may be selected form the map view. The representation of at least part of the golf course may be produced entirely using data stored in the on-board memory of the device, i.e. without retrieving, in real time or in use during the location determination process, data from a server or otherwise over a wireless or wired network or other communication connection.

The golf course geospatial information may comprise golf course layout information. The golf course geospatial information may comprise latitude and longitude information for a plurality of points or cells on the plurality of golf courses. The golf course geospatial information may comprise elevation data for the plurality of points or cells on the plurality of golf courses. The golf course geospatial information may comprise descriptors for at least some or all of the points or cells describing golf course features represented by the points or cells. The descriptors may include at least one or all of: tee, fairway, green, one or more categories of rough, water, bunker, pin, obstacle, trees, other hazards, and/or the like. The on-board memory may be configured to hold at least over 1,800 latitude and longitude golf map data reference points or cells for every golf hole of all of the plurality of golf courses, and optionally also the descriptors associated with those points or cells. The plurality of golf courses may comprise over 40,000 golf courses and/or the golf map data reference points or cells may be for over 600,000 golf holes, and the on-board memory may be suitably sized to hold the golf course geospatial information for that number of golf course and/or holes. The golf courses and golf holes could be from different countries around the world.

The golf course layout information may comprise location, boundaries and/or extent of at least one golf course. The golf course features may comprise at least one some or each of: tees; fairways; rough and/or different categories of rough; bunkers; hazards; water; trees; greens; each course; out of bounds for each course; and/or pins.

The golf assistance device may be configured to determine, and to provide to a user, at least one or more of: distance, orientation, elevation and/or difference in altitude, of the at least one golf course feature with respect to the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom, which may be provided or providable on the display of the golf assistance device. The at least one golf course feature for which the at least one or more of: distance, orientation, elevation and/or difference in altitude is provided may be a selected golf course feature, e.g. selected via user input, such as user input via the touch screen display or otherwise. The at least one golf course feature for which the at least one or more of: distance, orientation, elevation and/or difference in altitude is provided may be automatically selected, e.g. by default, which may be based on the current location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom. For example, the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom may be determined to be on a particular hole of a golf course, and the at least one golf course feature may be selected to be at least one golf course feature of that particular hole for that golf course, e.g. a pin position, a tee position, or the like for that golf hole.

When the golf course feature is selected, then the golf information can optionally be provided relative to (or for) a reference point that corresponds to the selected golf course feature that is closest to the location of the golf assistance device; or to a reference point that is closest to a centre of the selected golf course feature; a centroid of the golf-course feature; an average of all of the reference points that correspond to that selected golf course feature; a geographic centre of the golf course feature; or the like

The golf assistance device may comprise an accelerometer and/or gyroscope, which may be configured to determine motion of the golf assistance device or of the user (e.g. golfer) using the golf assistance device. The accelerometer and/or gyroscope, which may be configured to determine motion associated with performance of the game of golf, e.g. the user (e.g. golfer) moving between shots, stopping at a location to play a shot, motion associated with a golf swing or a practice swing, and/or the like. The golf assistance device may be configured to determine a location of the user's golf ball as corresponding to a location on a golf hole at which the user (e.g. golfer) has stopped, e.g. for at least a pre-set or determined threshold period of time or having stopped for a period that is comprised in a pre-set or determined time-window. The location of the golf assistance device, and/or the accelerometer or gyroscope may be operable to determine when the user has stopped. The threshold period of time or time-window may be user set, provided as a factory-default or learned by the golf assistance device based on historical durations of stops made by that user playing a shot during games of golf. The threshold period of time or time-window may be user-specific. The data from the accelerometer and/or gyroscope may be used to predict future actions, location and/or motion of the user or golf assistance device.

The golf assistance device may comprise at least one monitoring device. One or more of the monitoring devices may be configured for monitoring the golf ball, golf club, and/or golfer, e.g. for monitoring the swing of the golfer and/or the flight, distance and/or direction of the golf ball.

At least one of the monitoring devices may be configured to determine a speed of the golf ball, which may be or comprise a speed of strike of the golf ball. At least one of the monitoring devices may be or comprise an active wave ranging device, which may comprise a radar device, such as a doppler radar. The active wave ranging device may be a device configured to emit a wave, and to receive reflections of the wave in order to determine a distance to a reflecting object, e.g. using doppler shift, time of flight, or other suitable technique. At least one of the monitoring devices may be configured to determine at least one or each of: flight, distance and/or direction of the golf ball. The determined flight, distance and/or direction of the golf ball may be relative to a location of the golf assistance device as determined using the positioning system.

At least one of the monitoring devices may be or comprise a camera, which may be an integrated camera that is integrated into the golf assistance device. The camera may be configured for monitoring at least part or all of the golfer swinging the club. The camera may be configured for monitoring the golf club, e.g. whilst being swung by the golfer and/or whilst being used to strike the golf ball. The camera may be configured for monitoring the flight and/or direction of the golf ball. The monitoring of the golf club may be associated with a location of the golf assistance device as determined using the positioning system, e.g. so that a swing of the golf club or strike of the golf ball at each location on a golf course can be recorded and/or analysed.

The golf assistance device may be configured to store location data of the golf assistance device, e.g. store recent location data, e.g. in the on-board memory or in a temporary buffer.

The golf assistance device may comprise or be configured to implement a motion predictor to predict future actions, locations, targets and/or motions of the golf assistance device or user (e.g. golfer). The predictor may be configured to predict future actions, location, target and/or motion of the golf assistance device or user based on a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom and/or one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or the other locations derived therefrom and/or the output of the accelerometer and/or gyroscope. The predictor may be configured to predict future actions, location and/or motion of the golf assistance device or user based on historical or typical behaviour of the user or golfer and/or other golfers, or a weighted or other combination thereof. For example, the predictor may be predict the future actions, location and/or motion of the golf assistance device or user for that currently determined location based on an analysis or functions of actions of other golfers and/or that user from locations that correspond to, or are within a threshold distance of, the currently determined location. The predictor may be configured to modify the prediction the future actions, location and/or motion of the golf assistance device or user determined using the historical behaviour of other golfers using the historical behaviour of the present user, or otherwise take into account the historical behaviour of the present user, when predicting the future behaviour of the user or golfer. As such, the predictor may be configured to output predictions tailored or otherwise taking into account the historical behaviour of the current user. The predictor may comprise or be configured to implement a machine learning model, suitably trained on manually or otherwise labelled training data. The predictor may comprise or be configured to implement one or more algorithms. The predictor, e.g. the machine learning model or algorithm thereof, may be configured to receive at least one or more of: the currently determined location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom, and/or one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or the other locations derived therefrom and/or the output of the accelerometer and/or gyroscope as inputs. The predictor, e.g. the machine learning model or algorithm thereof, may be configured to predict future actions, location and/or motion of the golf assistance device or user based on the inputs.

The location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom may be at least partly derived from previous predictions of the motion or location of the golf assistance device or user by the predictor. For example, a prediction of the motion of the golf assistance device or user from a previous location may be used to obtain a rough estimate of a future or current location, which may be refined using the positioning system, or vice-versa. In this way, a current location of the user may be more accurately determined, particularly if the signals from the satellite positioning system are temporarily obscures or degraded, and may reduce the time to fix a current location of the golf assistance device or user

The other location derived from the location of the golf assistance device may comprise one or both of: a location of the user and/or a location of the user's golf ball. The location of the user's golf ball may be determined by determining when the user and/or the golf assistance device is stationary on a golf hole for at least the set, pre-set or determined threshold period of time or being stationary for a period that is comprised in the pre-set or determined time-window. The location of the user may correspond to that of the golf assistance device or may be a predefined relationship with the golf assistance device (e.g. with a predefined vector from the golf assistance device), or be in a calculated relationship with the golf assistance device, e.g. based on wireless signal strength between the golf assistance device and a device worn or carried by the user such as a smart watch, smart phone or other smart device.

The golf assistance device may be configured to automatically and selectively temporarily power down or reduce the functionality of one or more circuits of the golf assistance device responsive to at least one of: a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom; one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or the other locations derived therefrom; the prediction of future motion or location of the golf assistance device or user from the predictor; and/or the output of the accelerometer and/or gyroscope. For example, if the location of the golf assistance device is determined to be associated with a location and/or movement of the golf assistance device or user indicative of when a user is less likely to need to use the device, which could correspond to pre-loaded, set or pre-set conditions or logic, then the device could be powered down. In examples, the golf assistance device may be configured to automatically and selectively temporarily power down or reduce the functionality of one or more circuits of the golf assistance device at least in part responsive to detection of a specific motion, e.g. using the accelerometer or gyroscope, which may be coupled with detection of a particular location or movement of the golf assistance device or user on the golf course.

The one or more circuits of the golf assistance device that are automatically and selectively temporarily powered down or whose functionality is reduced may comprise at least one of: the positioning system, the on-board memory, the processing circuitry, the display, a wireless communications system, the gyroscope and/or the accelerometer.

The golf assistance device may be a unitary device. Two or more or all of: the positioning system, the on-board memory, the processing circuitry, the display, a wireless communications system, the gyroscope and/or the accelerometer, may be provided within a common housing. Two or more or all of: the positioning system, the on-board memory, the processing circuitry, the display, a wireless communications system, the gyroscope and/or the accelerometer, may be coupled together as a single unit.

The on-board memory may be configured to store at least part of the golf course geospatial information in raster format and/or as a grid of cells or points. The on-board memory may be configured to store at least part of the golf course geospatial information in compressed form. The golf assistance device may comprise a compression and decompression module for selectively compressing and decompressing the at least part of the golf course geospatial information. The compression and decompression module may be configured to implement a compression algorithm and a decompression algorithm for selectively compressing and decompressing the at least part of the golf course geospatial information. That is, the compression of the golf course geospatial information for storage in the on-board memory and decompression of the golf course geospatial information for use by the processor of the golf assistance device may be carried out on-board the golf assistance device rather than remotely on a server.

The on-board memory may be configured to store at least part of the golf course geospatial information in encrypted format. The golf assistance device may be configured to selectively unencrypt and/or re-encrypt at least part of the golf course geospatial information. The golf assistance device may be configured to selectively decompress and/or recompress at least part of the golf course geospatial information. The golf assistance device may be configured to selectively unencrypt and decompress at least part of the golf course geospatial information together, e.g. as a joint operation. The golf assistance device may be configured to selectively re-encrypt and recompress at least part of the golf course geospatial information together, e.g. as a joint operation. That is, the golf assistance device may be configured to unencrypt and/or decompress at least part of the golf course geospatial information when it is required or predicted to be required, and configured to re-encrypt and/or compress the at least part of the golf course geospatial information when it is no longer required. The golf assistance device may be configured to unencrypt and/or decompress and to re-encrypt and/or compress the at least part of the golf course geospatial information automatically, e.g. depending on whether it is determined or predicted to be required or no longer required.

Optionally, the golf assistance device may be configured to determine or predict whether the at least part of the golf course geospatial information is required (e.g. to unencrypt and/or decompress and to re-encrypt and/or compress the at least part of the golf course geospatial information) at least in part responsive to at least one of: a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom; one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or the other locations derived therefrom; the prediction of future motion or location of the golf assistance device or user from the predictor; and/or the output of the accelerometer and/or gyroscope.

For example, the golf assistance device may be configured to determine or predict whether the at least part of the golf course geospatial information is required (e.g. to unencrypt and/or decompress and to re-encrypt and/or compress the at least part of the golf course geospatial information) dependant on a golf hole, a part of a golf hole and/or a golf course on which the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom is located.

For example, the golf assistance device may be configured to determine that it is located on a particular golf course and selectively decompress and/or unencrypt at least part or all of the golf course geospatial information for that particular golf course. In an example, the golf assistance device may be configured to determine that it is located on a particular hole on a particular golf course and selectively decompress and/or unencrypt at least part or all of the golf course geospatial information for that particular golf hole and/or for one or more subsequent golf holes. The golf assistance device may be configured to determine that it is located on a particular part of a particular hole on a particular golf course and selectively decompress and/or unencrypt at least part or all of the golf course geospatial information for that particular golf hole and/or for one or more subsequent golf holes.

In an example, the golf assistance device may be configured to determine if it is located on or within a threshold of a particular tee of a particular golf hole. The golf assistance device may be configured to selectively decompress and/or unencrypt the golf course geospatial information for the golf hole that comprises that particular tee, e.g. responsive to or dependant on the golf assistance device determining that it is located on or within a threshold of that particular tee.

In another example, the golf assistance device may be configured to determine if it is located on or within a threshold of a particular green of a particular golf hole. The golf assistance device may be configured to selectively decompress and/or unencrypt the golf course geospatial information for one or more golf holes that are after/subsequent to the golf hole that comprises that particular tee, e.g. responsive to or dependant on the golf assistance device determining that it is located on or within a threshold of that particular green.

The golf assistance device may be configured to determine to automatically re-encrypt and/or recompress the at least part of the golf course geospatial information. For example, the golf course geospatial information for a particular hole of a golf course may be automatically re-encrypted and/or recompressed if the golf assistance device was located on or within a threshold of a green of that particular golf hole and is now no longer located on or within the threshold of the green, or if it is located on or within a threshold of the tee of the next hole; or if it was located on the particular golf hole and is now no longer located on that particular golf hole or is now located on the next golf hole.

In these ways, the golf assistance device only unencrypts and/or decompresses the at least part of the golf course geospatial information it needs, when it needs it, and re-encrypts and/or recompresses the at least part of the golf course geospatial information once it is no longer required. This may allow for more efficient handling of the golf course geospatial information in the memory on the device. This may allow for more secure handling of golf course geospatial information, which may contain valuable intellectual property.

The golf assistance device may be configured to receive user input. The user input may comprise at least a selection of the at least one golf course feature. The golf assistance device may be configured to determine and provide at least one or all of: distance, orientation, elevation and/or difference in altitude, of the selected at least one golf course feature with respect to the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom. The user input may be a user input on the touch-screen display of the golf assistance device, e.g. by selecting the at least one golf course feature on a map displayed on the display of the golf assistance device.

The golf assistance device may comprise a magnet, such as a magnetic mount for mounting the golf assistance device to a metallic structure such as a golf cart or buggy, a golf bag that has metallic parts, a wearable metallic object such as a belt buckle or a cradle, holster or other carrying device that is metallic and configured for carrying the golf assistance device. The cradle, holster or other carrying device may be configured to be worn on a belt, or to clip or otherwise fasten to an article of clothing or to a golf bag or cart.

According to a second example of the present disclosure is a method for assisting in a game of golf. The method comprising determining, using a positioning system of a golf assistance device, a location of the golf assistance device or another location derived therefrom. The method comprising accessing, from on-board memory of the golf assistance system, golf course geospatial information for a plurality of golf courses. The method comprising, using processing circuitry of the golf assistance device, determining and providing golf data from one or both of: the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom from the positioning system and the golf course geospatial information of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses stored on the on-board memory.

The positioning system may be a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands. The determining of the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom may be based at least in part on the wireless signals in at least two frequency bands.

The method may comprise using the golf assistance device of the first example, to perform at least one or all of the above method. The golf assistance device may be the golf assistance device of the first example of the present disclosure. The method may comprise using the golf assistance device of the first example to implement, use or carry out any feature of the golf assistance device of the first example.

According to a third example of the present disclosure is a computer readable program product comprising computer readable instructions configured so that, when implemented on a golf assistance device that comprises processing circuitry, on board memory and a multiband positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands, causes the golf assistance device to: determine, using the positioning system of a golf assistance device, a location of the golf assistance device or another location derived therefrom using the received wireless signals in the at least two frequency bands; access, from the on-board memory of the golf assistance system, golf course geospatial information for at least part of a golf course; and process, using the processing circuitry of the golf assistance device, at least the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom from the positioning system with respect to at least the golf course layout information describing a layout of a golf course of the plurality of golf courses.

The on-board memory may store golf-course geospatial information for a plurality of golf courses.

The computer readable program product may be configured so that, when implemented on the golf assistance device, causes the golf assistance device to perform the method of the second example. The golf assistance device may be the golf assistance device of the first example. The computer readable program product may be embodied on a tangible, non-transient computer readable medium. The computer readable program product may be configured so that, when implemented on the golf assistance device, causes the golf assistance device of the first example to implement, use or carry out any feature of the golf assistance device of the first example.

The instructions may be provided on one or more carriers. For example there may be one or more non-transient memories, e.g. a EEPROM (e.g. a flash memory) a disk, CD-or DVD-ROM, programmed memory such as read-only memory (e.g. for Firmware), one or more transient memories (e.g. RAM), and/or a data carrier(s) such as an optical or electrical signal carrier. The memory/memories may be integrated into a corresponding processing chip and/or separate to the chip. Code (and/or data) to implement embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise source, object or executable code in a conventional programming language (interpreted or compiled) such as C, or assembly code, code for setting up or controlling an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or code for a hardware description language.

The carrier medium may be a single physical carrier medium or may be distributed over a plurality of different physical carrier media, which may be located locally or remotely from each other. The process may be carried out on a single device or distributed over multiple devices, at least one or all of which may be local to each other or may be remote from each other.

According to a third example of the present disclosure is a method of producing the golf assistance device of the first example, the method comprising: providing a positioning system for determining a location of the golf assistance device or another location derived therefrom, wherein the positioning system is a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands in order to determine the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom; providing an on-board memory for storing golf course geospatial information for a plurality of golf courses; providing processing circuitry for determining and providing golf data from one or both of: the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom from the positioning system and the golf course geospatial information of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses stored on the on-board memory; and assembling such that at least the positioning system, the on-board memory and the processing circuitry are provided together in the golf assistance device of the first example.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure are a system, a device and/or a computer program product configured to implement the method of the second example. According to further aspects of the present disclosure is a method of using the golf assistance device of the first example, e.g. to utilise any feature described above in relation to the first example. According to further aspects of the present disclosure is a method of producing, which may comprise repairing or manufacturing, the golf assistance device of the first example.

The individual features and/or combinations of features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present invention or below in relation to any specific embodiment of the invention may be utilised, either separately and individually, alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Furthermore, the present invention is intended to cover apparatus configured to perform any feature described herein in relation to a method and/or a method of using or producing, using or manufacturing any apparatus feature described herein.

These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described in the following. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by this summary nor to implementations that necessarily solve any or all of the disadvantages noted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments may be put into effect, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf assistance device;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view through the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an antenna for a satellite positioning system of the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a different perspective view of the antenna of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a functional diagram of the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows a view of golf data on the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows another view of golf data on the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic overview of golf course geospatial information for a golf hole for the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic overview of golf course geospatial information for fairway of a golf hole for the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic overview of golf course geospatial information for golf features on a golf hole for the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic overview of golf data in the form of golf green contours for a golf hole displayed on the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic overview of golf data golf displayed on the golf assistance device of FIG. 1 for an approach golf shot;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic overview of selection of a feature on a golf course using the golf assistance device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart representation of an operation of the golf assistance device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart representation of operation of the golf assistance device of FIG. 1 in accessing golf course geospatial information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed.

The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In the following embodiments, like components are labelled with like reference numerals.

In the following embodiments, the term data store or memory is intended to encompass any computer readable storage medium and/or device (or collection of data storage mediums and/or devices). Examples of data stores include, but are not limited to, optical disks (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), magnetic disks (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), memory circuits (e.g., EEPROM, solid state drives, random-access memory (RAM), etc.), and/or the like.

The functions or algorithms described herein are implemented in hardware, software or a combination of software and hardware in one or more embodiments. The software comprises computer executable instructions stored on computer readable carrier media such as memory or other type of storage devices. Further, described functions may correspond to modules, which may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Multiple functions are performed in one or more modules as desired, and the embodiments described are merely examples. The software is executed on a digital signal processor, ASIC, microprocessor, microcontroller, or other type of processor.

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a golf assistance device 5. The golf assistance device 5 comprises a touch screen 10 for displaying golf data and for receiving user input. The golf assistance device comprises a casing 15, such as a plastic or metal casing, to which the display is mounted so that the golf assistance device is a single, unitary device, that is portable and can be carried by a user (golfer) or on a golf bag or cart. The golf data that can be determined by the golf assistance device 5 and shown on the display can comprise map, plan, topography, contour, elevation or other views of golf courses, showing golf course features such as tees, bunkers, fairways, one or more grades of rough, greens, tees, pin positions, fairway, water features, trees and other hazards. The golf course features are highlightable and selectable, as are positions on the golf course in the golf course maps displayed in the screen 10. Other examples of golf data include the location of the golf assistance device 5, golfer (user) and/or the golfer's ball on a golf course. Further examples of golf data include elevation of the golf assistance device 5, golfer (user) and/or the golfer's ball, elevation of golf course features or other selectable points on the golf course such as the pin, bunkers, green edges, or the like, differences in elevation between the location of the golf assistance device 5 and the golf course features or other selectable points on the golf course, distances from the golf assistance device 5 to the golf course features or other selectable points on the golf course, direction or bearing from the golf assistance device 5 to the golf course features or other selectable points on the golf course, and/or the like.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are exploded and cross sectional views of the golf assistance device 5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, so that the internal components of the golf assistance device 5 are visible. These figures show the display 10, a display seal 20 for sealing between the display 10 and the casing 15, a circuit board 20, a battery 22, a satellite positioning system antenna 30, and a port seal 35 for sealing any ports 40 of the golf assistance device 5.

The circuit board 20, battery 22 and satellite positioning system antenna 30 are located within the casing 15, and the casing is sealed closed by the display 10 and display seal 20. The circuit board 20 is optionally provided with power and/or data ports for receiving charging power and/or uploading and/or downloading data, as is known in the art, which are sealed by the port seal 35. The circuit board 20 comprises a processor 45 such as a microcontroller, central processing unit, CPU, or alternative processing arrangement such as a field programmable gate array, FPGA, or application specific integrated circuit, ASIC, or other programmable logic device.

The circuit board 20 also comprises the on-board memory 50, which is sized and configured to store geospatial information for a plurality of golf courses, such as several thousand, e.g. tens of thousands of golf courses. In examples, the on-board memory is in the form of an embedded multimedia memory circuit. The on-board memory is specifically sized and configured to store all latitude, longitude, elevation, and descriptor data for all of the golf courses in a compressed raster format. The geospatial information for a plurality of golf courses is stored at high resolution of over 750, e.g. over 1000 and preferably over 1500 longitude and latitude points per golf hole.

The circuit board 20 also comprises a satellite positioning processor 55 that processes wireless satellite positioning signals in at least two frequency bands in order to determine the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom. That is, the location of the golf assistance device is determined at least in part using multi-band satellite positioning. The satellite positioning processor 55 is communicatively coupled to the antenna 30 to receive electrical signals indicative of the wireless satellite positioning signals received by the antenna 30. The antenna 30 fixes onto an end of the circuit board 20 at a top end of the golf assistance device 5.

The antenna 30 is a multi-band antenna, such as a dual band antenna. The antenna 30 is configured to receive wireless satellite positioning signals from constellations of satellite positioning satellites in at least two frequency bands in order to determine the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom. In examples, the antenna is configured to operate using at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and also at least one frequency band from the lower-L-band. The upper L-band extends from 1544 MHz to 1610 MHz and comprises the E1, L1 and G1 frequency bands. The E1 frequency band extends from 1559 MHz to 1591 MHz, the L1 frequency band extends from 1563 MHz to 1587 MHz and the G1 band extends from 1593 MHz to 1610 MHz. The lower L-band extends from 1164 MHz to 1300 MHz and comprises the L2, L5, G2, G3, E5, E5a, E5b and E6 frequency bands. The L2 frequency band extends from 1215 MHz to 1239.6 MHz, the L5 frequency band extends from 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz, the G2 frequency band extends from 1237 MHz to 1254 MHz and the G3 frequency band extends from 1189 MHz to 1214 MHz. The E5 frequency band extends from 1164 MHz to 1214 MHz, the E5a frequency band extends from 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz, the E5b frequency band extends from 1189 MHz to 1214 MHz and the E6 frequency band extends from 1260 MHz to 1300 MH. In some specific examples, the antenna 30 and satellite positioning processor 55 are configured to operate using at least one frequency band from at least one of: the L1, E1 and/or G1 band; and at least one frequency band from at least one of: the L5 and/or E5 bands.

The satellite positioning processor 55 is configured to repeatedly switch between measurements in different frequency bands of the at least two frequency bands, during use. The switching between the different frequency bands is performed in the order of nanoseconds. In some examples, the switching comprises switching between at least one frequency band in the upper L-band and at least one frequency band in the lower L-band. More specifically, the switching could comprise switching between at least one of: the L1, E1 and/or G1 band and at least one of: the L5 and/or E5 bands, e.g. switching between the L1 and L5 bands or switching between the E1 and E5 bands or the like.

In this way, the satellite positioning processor 55 can determine the location (e.g., longitudes and latitudes) of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom to a high degree of accuracy (i.e. the absolute value of the error) of from 0.5 m to under 1 m.

In some examples, the processor 45 can implement a predictor, which is optionally a machine learning or other AI model suitable trained or otherwise configured to predict future motion of the golfer (user), receiving the current and recent locations of the golf assistance device and/or accelerometer and/or gyroscope data as inputs. The future motion of the golfer from the predictor can optionally be used to further enhance the speed and/or accuracy of the determination of the location from the satellite positioning processor 55 using satellite positioning, e.g. by narrowing down the possible locations and/or being used to provide a lock on the location faster.

The circuit board 25 also comprises a power controller (65 in FIG. 9) configured to control power to and from the battery 22. The power controller 65 and/or the processor 45 are configured to implement a selective power down/reduced power saving mode scheme, wherein certain components are selectively and temporarily powered down or put into an energy saving mode, e.g. responsive to a motion profile from the accelerometer or gyroscope or the determined location of the golf assistance device. For example, when the accelerometer or gyroscope motion profile corresponds to a stowed or not in use profile, then the device can be put in a low power mode. Similarly, when the location of the golf assistance device 5 is such that it corresponds with one or more set or preset locations associated with low likelihood of use, then it can be put into the low power mode. The low power mode can be overridden by user actions, e.g. touching the screen 10, pressing a button or raising the golf assistance device 5 or performing another set action with the golf assistance device or the like.

The accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone and/or other sensors 70 can also be provided on the circuit board 25. The circuit board 25 is located within the casing 15, between the screen 10 and casing 15.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of the internal configuration of the golf assistance device 5. The processor 45 (in this example in the form of a microcontroller), is configured to receive data indicative of the location of the golf assistance device 5 from the satellite positioning processor 55, which in this case is in the form of a global positioning system (GPS) processor. The data is dual or other multi-band satellite positioning data. The data indicative of the location of the golf assistance device 5 can be received by the processor 45 directly from the satellite positioning processor 55 or indirectly via a buffer 60. The satellite positioning processor 55 receives signals indicative of multi-band wireless satellite positioning signals and uses these to determine the location of the golf assistance device 5, as described above, e.g. using triangulation techniques and optionally also the output of the predictor.

Power and data can be provided via the input/output port 40 and is conditioned and controller by the power controller 65 to allow off-boarding of data such as golf statistics (e.g. number of shots taken on a given hole, swing profile, shot distances, and/or the like) and the golf data determined by the processor 45, on boarding of data such as additional or updated golf course geospatial information, and charging of the battery 22. For example the golf data and golf statistics for a round of golf can be off-boarded via the port 40 or using wireless communications to another device such as a smartphone, smart watch or other smart device, and recorded to allow the golfer to view ad compare their statistics and golf data for the round of golf or to replay the round on a map (e.g. from the tracking data), or the like. The golf assistance device 5 is configured to automatically or manually record, analyse, document and store golf statistical performance data and/or information in relation to a golfers golf game or measurable performance, which may comprise e.g. tracking data of the golfer's motion round the golf course, ball positions (e.g. determined using the accelerometer or gyroscope, the microphone and/or stop locations as described elsewhere), shots played on each hole, the current weather, or the like. This golf statistical performance data and/or information can be uploaded/offloaded for storage, comparison, replay and the like.

The processor 45 is connected to the on-board memory 50, which comprises an embedded multimedia memory circuit, in order to allow retrieval of golf course geospatial information and for storing values of golf data and other parameters determined by the processor 45.

The processor 45 is also communicatively coupled to the screen 10, for displaying maps of the golf holes and the golf data and other parameters determined by the processor 45, and for receiving user input via the touch screen.

The golf assistance device 5 also comprises further sensors 70, such as an accelerometer (e.g. a 3-axis accelerometer) and/or gyroscope. The further sensors 70 could also comprise a microphone, e.g. for receiving the sound of club striking ball or user inputs. The output of these sensors is coupled to the processor 45 to allow the processor 45 to factor in the output from these sensors 70 into the controlling of the golf assistance device 5 and/or in determining the golf data or other parameters. For example, the further sensors 70 can be used to monitor the golfer's swing, or determine when a shot or practice shot have been taken (e.g. when the sound of club striking ball is received or a vibration profile matches a golf shot having been taken) and t produce golf statistics or golf data therefrom.

The golf assistance device 5 further comprises one or more wireless communications modules such as Wi-Fi communications module 75 and Bluetooth communications module 80. This allows the golf assistance device 5 to transmit and receive golf course geospatial information such as golf map data to/from a mobile phone, computer or other electronic portable device through wireless networking technology, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the like. As such, a golfer (user) is able to update or transfer golf maps during play or alternatively whilst not playing golf, e.g. ahead of a game of golf.

Further the golfer (user) can select, in settings, automatic background transmission and receiving of golf course updates including updates to other golf related data and information. For example, the golf assistance device 5 receives and can present on a graphical user interface on the screen 10, golf related information such as real-time weather conditions, real-time golf course conditions, promotional information from the golf course currently playing, promotional information from golf advertisers, important and relevant safety information and/or the like. Although provision of the golf related information via the screen 10 is described, it could be provided to the golfer (user) through an audio speaker.

In addition, the one or more wireless communications modules 75, 80, can be used to allow the golf assistance device 5 to communicate with the user's (golfer's) mobile or other devices and/or on-line accounts to allow the golf assistance device 5 to access and use contextual and user data, such as calendar/diary data, navigation data, or the like. For example, if a user has a game of golf at a particular course in their calendar or enters a particular golf course into a navigation app on their phone, then if the user has chosen to share this data with the golf assistance device 5, then the processor 45 can use this data to identify the golf course and make sure the latest golf course geospatial information for that golf course has been downloaded to the golf assistance device 5 in advance of the user arriving at the golf course.

In examples, the golf assistance device 5 optionally comprises a magnet 85. The magnet can be used to mount the golf assistance device 5 so that the user (golfer) can securely temporarily attach the golf assistance device 5 to a golf cart, golf bag, a belt or other wearable item, or the like. The golfer frequently needs to have their hands free to play a golf shot, select a club, tee or other golfing equipment, from amongst a number of other reasons. As such, the ability to conveniently and quickly magnetically attach the golf assistance device to other holding arrangements such as their cart, bag, holster or cradle or wearable item, the golfer can easily free up their hands for other activities but quickly retrieve the golf assistance device 5 when then want to use it. The golf assistance device 5 is portable and during the act of playing golf may be carried by the golfer in hand or in a golf bag or attached to a golf trolley using a connector or coupled to a golf kart or coupled to a holster, cradle or carrier using the in-built magnet 85. A golfer may select to use a combination of methods to transport that device during a standard game of golf, e.g. either or both of a physical connector such as a clip, hook or strap, and the magnet 85.

The processor 45 is configured to analyse the location data (i.e. the duel or other multiband satellite location data) provided by the satellite positioning processor 55 and the golf course geospatial information from the on-board memory 50, and optionally any or all of: the outputs of any further sensors 70, such as the accelerometer (e.g. a 3-axis accelerometer) and/or gyroscope, the golf related information received by the golf assistance device 5, the contextual or user data received by the golf assistance device 5, the predictor outputs, and/or the like, and use it to determine golf related data.

The golf related data determined by the processor 45 includes the location of the golf assistance device 5 or other location derived therefrom (e.g. the location of the user (golfer) and/or the golfer's ball) with respect to a golf course that the user (golfer) is playing (e.g. where on the golf course the user currently is). Optionally, the golf data can comprise the position of the user's golf ball on the golf course. For example, the golf assistance device may be configured to determine a location of the ball based on one or more of: the location data indicating the golf assistance device has remained stationary for more than a period of time on the golf course; accelerometer or gyroscope data indicative of a profile associated with a ball being struck, sound from the microphone indicative of club on ball; user input or confirmation; and/or the like.

The golf course geospatial information comprises golf course layout information describing a layout of the golf course (along with golf course layout information for a plurality of other golf courses). Specifically, the golf course geospatial information comprises the latitude and longitude coordinates for reference points that describe each golf hole, preferably at a resolution of at least 750, preferably at least 1000 and most preferably at least 1500 e.g. 1800 or more reference points, per golf hole.

As described above, the satellite positioning data is multiband (e.g. dual band) satellite positioning data, preferably collected using fast (e.g. in the order of ns) switching between at least two satellite positioning frequency bands, such as between at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and at least one frequency band from the lower-L-band, such as switching between one of the L1, E1 or G1 bands and one of the L5 or E5 bands. In some specific examples, the switching is between the L1 and L5 bands. In other examples, switching is between the E1 and E5 bands. Optionally, the satellite positioning processor 55 and/or the processor 45 is configured to implement interpolation, hyper-imaging or other techniques or use the predicted motion output of the predictor to improve the accuracy of the satellite positioning data even further. At least in part due to the techniques above, highly accurate location data can be collected, with an accuracy of somewhere in the range of 50 cm to 1 m or under 1 m being achievable.

The processor 45 is configured to implement an algorithm that compares, in real time during use, the location derived from satellite positioning data received from the satellite positioning processor 55 to the detailed golf course geospatial information. This allows for exact identification, and provision, of the position of the golfer with reference to the (e.g. 1,800+) latitude and longitude reference points for that golf hole. The combination of highly accurate satellite positioning data (e.g. down to an accuracy of between 50 cm and 1 m) with the highly detailed golf course geospatial information (e.g. of over 1500 reference points per hole) allows for more accurate measurement and reporting of the golfer's location on the golf course. This in turn also allows better provision of functions such as zooming into parts of the golf course or the golfer's location. Small differences in location can make a significant difference to the round of golf, e.g. fine margins can be the difference between fairway or green and rough or a bunker, water feature or other hazard. As such, these improvements in accuracy in locating the golfer on the golf course can significantly impact the game of golf.

Furthermore, the processor 45 can be configured to use location tracking and/or the golf course specific data from the golf course geospatial information to enhance the location process. For example, the processor 45 can identify which hole of the golf course the golf course assistance device is on, and so limit (or prioritise) the golf course geospatial information that needs compared with the identified location to golf course geospatial information for that golf hole or a part of the golf hole corresponding to where it is predicted that the golfer will be based on the predictor outputs. This could result in faster location identification.

Beneficially, the processor 45 can first identify the golf course, then the hole on the golf course, on which the golf assistance device 5 is located, e.g. based on the satellite positioning data received from the satellite positioning processor 55, tracking of the locations of the golf assistance device 5 and/or on predictions of the golfers movements from the predictor. This allows the overall set of reference points and associated longitudes and latitudes that are included in the comparison to be limited to those for the particular golf hole of the particular golf course on which the golf assistance device 5 is currently located. This utilisation of the golf specific data provides for more efficient processing and faster and more accurate location of the golf assistance device 5 on the golf course.

At least some of the golf course geospatial information is stored as raster format map data where the golf map for every hole is divided into a grid of cells associated with each reference point. The use of raster format map data, in combination with the high degree of accuracy of the satellite positioning data, allows for easier zooming and provision of greater detail compared with other formats such as vector formatted data, which has more limited scalability. However, raster format data can have challenges in relation to storage capacity, particularly for on-board memory 50 in portable battery powered devices such as the golf assistance device 5.

In order to store large amounts of digital golf map graphical imagery in a raster format the golf assistance device 5 implements an on-board algorithm that compresses the golf course geospatial information on upload and stores the compressed golf course geospatial information within the on-board memory 50 (which may comprise an embedded multimedia memory integrated circuit). The raster map data is stored encrypted and compressed in the on-board memory 50. The on-board algorithm is implemented by the processor 45 to decrypt and decompress the compressed golf course geospatial information within the on-board memory 50 when required. Thus, maximum accuracy can be achieved by utilising all available latitude and longitude map data reference point to recreate the golf hole visually.

In some examples, the golf course geospatial information is automatically decompressed and de-encrypted on demand, when it is required, and then recompressed and re-encrypted when it is no longer needed. This process could be carried out responsive to the determined location of the golf assistance device 5 on the golf course. For example, this could be done for the whole course when it is detected that the user (golfer) is located at or near a particular golf course. In another example, this could be done on a golf hole by golf hole basis, e.g. responsive to detecting the user (golfer) is near a tee of a golf hole or is on a preceding hole or is on or near a green of a preceding hole. The golf course geospatial information can also be automatically recompressed and re-encrypted based on the determined location of the golf assistance device 5, e.g. when the golf assistance device 5 is determined to have left the golf course, or to have left a golf hole or a green of a golf hole, or is on the tee of a subsequent golf hole, or the like. The processor 45 compares the actual position of the golfer on the golf hole or golf course to the recreated raster golf map data of the golf course geospatial information to determine the location of the golf assistance device 5 on the golf course.

Each cell or reference point has associated mapping data such as elevation for that cell or reference point, a description of the golf course in that cell/at that reference point (e.g. the golf feature to which the cell or reference point relates, such as rough or grade of rough, fairway, green, trees, water, bunker or other hazard, tee or tee type (e.g. regular, junior, women's), and/or the like). In this way, the golf assistance device 5 can display a map with the associated golf related mapping data, including the location and extent of golf features and the current location of the golf assistance device 5 (or other information derived therefrom, such as the golfer's ball location). This enables the golfer to better assess their options when playing the game of golf.

The golf assistance device 5 is configured to determine further golf data from the location data provided by the satellite positioning processor 55 and the golf course geospatial information from the on-board memory 50, and optionally any or all of: the outputs of any further sensors 70, such as the accelerometer (e.g. a 3-axis accelerometer) and/or gyroscope, the golf related information received by the golf assistance device 5, the contextual or user data received by the golf assistance device 5, and/or the like, and use it to determine golf data. For example, the processor 45 can be configured to determine a difference in elevation between the current location of the golf assistance device 5 determined from the satellite positioning data from the satellite positioning processor 55 and one of more golf features of the golf hole, such as a pin location, or other location on the golf course to which the user (golfer) would like to play. The other location on the golf course to which the user (golfer) would like to play may be selected by the user providing a selection user input, e.g. using the touch screen 10. In another example, the processor 45 can be configured to determine a bearing from the current location of the golf assistance device 5 determined from the satellite positioning data from the satellite positioning processor 55 and one of more golf features of the golf hole, such as a pin location, or other location on the golf course to which the user (golfer) would like to play. The other location on the golf course to which the user (golfer) would like to play may be selected by the user providing a selection user input, e.g. using the touch screen 10. The golf data determined by the processor 45 is displayed on the screen 10 (e.g. in a user interface, optionally along with map data) or provided as audio output.

Some examples golf data that can be determined and provided by the golf assistance device 5 are shown as examples on user interfaces provided on the display 10 of the golf assistance device 5 in FIGS. 10 to 17.

FIG. 10 shows a user interface 1000 provided on the display 10 of the golf assistance device 5. In this example, the user interface 1000 shows a map 1005 of a current hole of a golf course being played by the user (golfer) in the form of a plan or overhead view. The map 1005 is determined by the processor 45 from the golf course geospatial information and the location of the golfer is the location of the golf assistance device 5 determined using the multi-band satellite positioning data from the satellite positioning processor 55 and is provided in the map 1005 of the golf hole. The map 1005 of the golf hole includes golf course features such as mens', ladies' and junior tees 1010, 1015, 1020, bunkers 1025, 1030, the fairway 1035, rough 1040, and the green 1045 including the pin position 1050. The location 1055 of the golf assistance device 5 is indicated 1055, in this case, being located on the ladies' tee 1015. The user has selected a point 1060 on the fairway that is the intended target for the user. The processor 45 then identifies the distance between the location 1055 of the golf assistance device 5 and the user-selected point 1060 and displays this in the user interface at 1065. In examples, the processor 45 alternatively or additionally identifies one of both of: bearing and difference in elevation between the location 1055 of the golf assistance device 5 and the user-selected point 1060 and displays this in the user interface at 1065.

FIG. 11 shows a different configuration of the user interface 1100 provided on the display 10 of the golf assistance device 5. In this example, the user interface 1100 shows a map 1105 of a current hole of a golf course being played by the user (golfer) in the form of a plan or overhead view. The map 1105 is determined by the processor 45 from the golf course geospatial information and the location 1155 of the golfer is the location of the golf assistance device 5 determined using the multi-band satellite positioning data from the satellite positioning processor 55 and is provided in the map 1105 of the golf hole. The processor 45 calculates one or more distance curves corresponding to locations of equal set or pre-set distances from the golfer's current location 1055, and marks these on the displayed map. Furthermore, the processor 45 calculates the distance from between the location 1055 of the golf assistance device 5 to the pin 1150 and displays this in the user interface at 1165. In examples, the processor 45 alternatively or additionally identifies one of both of: bearing and difference in elevation between the location 1055 of the golf assistance device 5 and the pin 1150 and displays this in the user interface at 1065.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show the raster scan format of the golf course geospatial data comprising a series of reference points 1205. Not all reference points 1205 are shown and in practice there would be well over 1000 reference points 1205, usually over 1500 reference points 1205 per hole, but only a few reference points 1205 are shown to illustrate the grid or cell like nature of the reference points 1205. As noted above, the reference points 1205 are arranged in a regular pattern in rows and columns so as to effectively define a grid/cells. The reference points cover the key golf course features such as mens', ladies' and junior tees 1010, 1015, 1020, bunkers 1025, 1030, the fairway 1035, the green 1045 and hazards 1070, e.g. trees. In this particular example, the rough 1040 is not covered by the reference points and is assumed to be everything within the boundaries of the golf hole that is not one of the golf course features. However, this need not be the case and in other examples, the rough 1040 is covered by the grid of reference points in the same way as the other golf course features. As noted above, the resolution of the reference points is high, with over 1000 reference points per hole and typically over 1500, e.g. 1800 reference points per hole being typically used. This high degree of accuracy leads to a better experience for the golfer and allows for better zooming and more accurate identification of location on the golf hole. FIG. 12 shows the coverage of reference features for a full golf hole. FIG. 13 shows the coverage of reference features for just a part of the fairway 1035. FIG. 14 shows the coverage of reference features to the green 1045, bunkers 1025, 1030, and a hazard 1070.

The golf assistance device is configured to allow the golfer to select different views of the map of the golf hole in the user interface on the screen 10 of the golf assistance device 5, such as those of FIG. 10, 11, 14, 15 or 16, or others. FIG. 15 shows a zoomed in view around the green 1045, wherein the contours of the green 1045 are indicated using arrows and/or shading. The contours of the green can be derived from the golf course geospatial information retrieved from the on-board memory 50. When the location of the golf assistance device 5 indicates that the golf course geospatial information for that golf hole is needed (e.g. on approach to the golf course, or whilst on the prior golf hole or on the green of the prior golf hole or when approaching the golf hole that comprises the green 1045), the golf course geospatial information for that golf hole is retrieved. This can then be used to determine and display any required golf course features or views, such as the zoomed view of the green 1045 and contours of the green shown in FIG. 15.

Another possible view is shown in FIG. 16, which shows a user interface displaying an overview of a map and associated data displayed on an approach golf shot detailing hazards 1070, bunkers 1025, 1030, slopes, and run off areas surrounding a golf green 1045. The information displayed includes the slopes and contours of the area around the green 1045 and scale markers to give the golfer an idea of distances and sizes of the golf feature shown, all of which can be determined by the processor 45 from the golf course geospatial information for that golf hole.

The golf assistance device 5 can be configured to automatically select a default view based on the location of the golf assistance device 5 determined at least in part from the band satellite positioning data acquired by the satellite positioning processor 55 and antenna 30. For example, responsive to the location of the golf assistance device 5 being determined by the processor 45 to be at or approaching a tee 1010, 1015, 1020 of a golf hole, then an overhead or plan view map of the whole of that golf hole, such as that of FIG. 10 or 11, could be automatically displayed. Responsive to it being determined by the processor 45 that the location of the golf assistance device 5 being within a threshold range of a green (e.g. greater than an minimum distance but less than a maximum distance from the green), then the golf assistance device 5 can be arranged to automatically switch to an approach view, such as that of FIG. 16. Responsive to it being determined that the golf assistance device 5 is on the green 1045 or on the fringes (e.g. within a threshold, e.g. 20 m, of) the green, then the golf assistance device 5 can automatically switch to displaying a zoomed in green contour view, such as that of FIG. 15. The golf assistance device 5 can be configured with user settings where the user can select between automatic view selection or not, and/or the user can manually override the default automatically selected view by subsequently manually selecting a view. That is, the golf assistance device 5 is configured to automatically switch between different golf map views and/or different golf data for display dependant on the determined location.

The golf assistance device 5 is configured to receive user input, e.g. via the touch screen 10, voice inputs, buttons, or the like. The golf assistance device is operable by the user to select a point on the golf course, such as point 1060 in FIGS. 10 and 11, by user input. The golf assistance device 5 can also be operable to allow user selection of a selectable golf course feature 1080 such as bunkers 1025, 1030, the fairway 1035, rough 1040, the green 1045 and/or pin position 1050, as shown in FIG. 17. When the golf course feature 1080 is selected, then the golf information can optionally be provided relative to (or for) a reference point that corresponds to the selected golf course feature 1080 that is closest to the location of the golf assistance device 5, to a reference point that is closest to a centre of the selected golf course feature 1080, a centroid of the golf-course feature 1080, an average of all of the reference points that correspond to that selected golf course feature, a geographic centre of the golf course feature, or the like.

In examples, the golf assistance device 5 is configured such that selection of a golf course feature or selected location on the golf hole automatically results in calculation and/or display of golf data calculated for or with respect to that selected golf course feature (e.g. distance, bearings and/or elevation differential from the determined location of the golf assistance device 5 to the selected golf course feature or selected location).

That is, when the user selects a point 1060 on the golf course or a golf course feature 1080, the processor 45 of the golf assistance device 5 is operable to determine and provide (e.g. display on the screen 10 and/or as audio) golf information for the selected point 1060 on the golf course or golf course feature 1080 relative to the current location of the golf assistance device 5 determined from the satellite positioning data. For example, the golf information that is determined and provided could include any or all of: distance, bearing and/or elevation differential from the current location of the golf assistance device 5 determined from the satellite positioning data to the selected point 1060 on the golf course or golf course feature 1080.

In addition to providing relative golf information (i.e. golf information such as distance, bearing and elevation differential) from a location of the golf assistance device 5, the golf assistance device 5 can also provide golf information for the selected point 1060 or golf course feature 1080 that does not depend on the location of the golf assistance device 5. Examples of such information could include the angle and/or direction of slope at the selected point 1060 or for that golf course feature 1080, an elevation at the selected point 1060 or of that golf course feature 1080, descriptors of the selected point 1060 or golf course feature 1080 such as indications of what the feature is (e.g. fairway, rough, bunker, etc.), indications of grade of rough, a location (e.g. latitude and longitude or the like) of the selected point 1060 or for that golf course feature 1080, and/or the like. This information can be extracted from the golf course geospatial information for that hole. Other examples of information that could be provided include weather data such as wind speed and/or direction or averaged or historical based statistical golf performance data for the selected golf course feature 1080 or selected point 1060 (e.g. 42% of golfers landing in a selected bunker take two or more shots to get out, 64% of golfers aiming for that section of the fairway hit the fairway, and so on). These sorts of data could be retrieved over an internet or other wide area network connection 75, 80 or could be retrieved from the on-board memory 50 of the golf assistance device 5.

Other data that could be provided (and optionally incorporated with the golf course geospatial information) includes course information such as address, contact details, course imagery, designer, scorecard, stroke index, golf course history and male, female and/or junior tee box information.

Although the above description is generally in terms of a unitary portable device, corresponding steps and features can also be provided in a computer (or other suitable device such as a smartphone, tablet, smart watch or other smart device) implemented method and computer program product, which may be provided on a non-transient, tangible computer readable medium. FIGS. 18 and 19 outline methods underlying some of the features described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to these, and features analogous to any of the features or actions described in relation to the golf assistance device 5 above can also be performed in addition to, and/or as part of, the methods of FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method of providing electronic assistance for the game of golf. At step 1805, it is determined, using the positioning system of a golf assistance device, a location of the golf assistance device or another location derived therefrom using the received wireless signals in the at least two frequency bands. Step 1810 comprises retrieving, from on-board memory of the golf assistance system, golf course geospatial information that comprises at least golf course layout information describing a plurality of golf courses that is stored in the on-board memory. Step 1815 comprises determining and providing, using processing circuitry of the golf assistance device, golf data from one or both of: the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom from the positioning system and the golf course geospatial information of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses stored on the on-board memory. This processing in step 1815 could further comprise displaying or otherwise providing the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom on a map of a golf hole on which the golf assistance device 5 is currently located.

FIG. 19 illustrates a method of accessing the golf course geospatial information from step 1810 of FIG. 18. At step 1905, it is determined if the location of a golf assistance device meets a location criterion. For example, it could be determined if the golf assistance device is located at or in the vicinity of (e.g. within a threshold distance of) a golf course, of a golf hole, or of a particular part of a golf hole, such as a tee or a green.

At step 1910, golf course geospatial information associated with the location criterion is decompressed and/or unencrypted, having been previously stored in a compressed and/or encrypted form, optionally in on-board storage of the golf assistance device. For example, if the location criterion is that the location of the golf assistance device is located at or in the vicinity of (e.g. within a threshold distance of) a golf course, then the golf course geospatial information for that golf course is decompressed and/or unencrypted. If the location criterion is that the location of the golf assistance device is located at or in the vicinity of (e.g. within a threshold distance of) a tee of a golf hole, then the golf course geospatial information for that golf hole is decompressed and/or unencrypted. If the location criterion is that the location of the golf assistance device is located at or in the vicinity of (e.g. within a threshold distance of) a green of a golf hole, then the golf course geospatial information for a next/following golf hole is decompressed and/or unencrypted. Other combinations of location criterion and associated golf course geospatial information can be used and would be apparent from the present disclosure. In general, the golf course geospatial information required by the user is decompressed and/or unencrypted before it is needed (and recompressed and encrypted again once it is no longer needed).

At 1915, it is determined if the location of the golf assistance device stops meeting the location criterion or meets a second location criterion (the second location criterion being a criterion indicative of at least part of the decompressed and/or unencrypted golf course geospatial information no longer being needed. For example, the second criterion could comprise the location of the golf assistance device that was previously located on a green of a golf hole now being located on a tee of a subsequent/next golf hole, then the golf course geospatial information for that golf hole (i.e. the golf hole for which the location of the golf assistance device was previously located on the green of that golf hole). As another example, the second criterion could comprise the location of the golf assistance device that was previously located on a golf course, now being located at least a threshold distance away from the golf course. In a further example, the second criterion could comprise the location of the golf assistance device that was previously located on a golf hole now being located on a different golf hole.

In step 1920, the decompressed and/or unencrypted golf course geospatial information that is no longer immediately needed is re-compressed and/or encrypted for storage on the on-board memory of the golf assistance device. This could comprise re-compressing and/or encrypting the golf course geospatial information for a whole golf course or for a particular hole of the golf course.

The golf assistance device on which the methods of FIG. 18 and/or FIG. 19 is performed may be the golf assistance device 5 described above in relation to any of FIGS. 1 to 17.

Method steps of the invention can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output. Method steps can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) or other customised circuitry. Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include CPUs and microprocessors, and any one or more processors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g. EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, the invention can be implemented on a device having a screen, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), plasma, LED (light emitting diode) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and an input device, e.g., a keyboard, touch screen, a mouse, a trackball, and the like by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used, for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The methods described herein with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19, and/or the golf assistance device of any of FIGS. 1 to 17 may be embodied on, or as, a device, such as a mobile or network enabled device. The device may be or comprise or be comprised in a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, and/or the like. The functions of the processor 45 or the steps of the methods may be implemented by a suitable program or application (app) running on the device. The device may comprise at least one processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), maths co-processor (MCP), graphics processing unit (GPU), tensor processing unit (TPU) and/or the like. The at least one processor may be a single core or multicore processor. The device may comprise memory and/or other data storage, which may be implemented on DRAM (dynamic random access memory), SSD (solid state drive), HDD (hard disk drive) or other suitable magnetic, optical and/or electronic memory device. The at least one processor and/or the memory and/or data storage may be arranged locally, e.g. provided in a single device or in multiple devices in in communication at a single location or may be distributed over several local and/or remote devices. The device may comprise a communications module, e.g. a wireless and/or wired communications module. The communications module may be configured to communicate over a cellular communications network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, near field communications (NFC), IR, satellite communications, other internet enabling networks and/or the like. The communications module may be configured to communicate via Ethernet or other wired network or connections, via a telecommunications network such as a POTS, PSTN, DSL, ADSL, optical carrier line, and/or ISDN link or network and/or the like, via the cloud and/or via the internet, or other suitable data carrying network. The communications module may be configured to communicate via optical communications such as optical wireless communications (OWC), optical free space communications or Li-Fi or via optical fibres and/or the like. The processor 45 may be configured to communicate with a remote server or data store via the communications module.