Untitled record

p00001Personal golf practice assistant

p00002Background of the invention

1. Field of the Invention

p00003This invention relates, in general, to navigation, study and analysis systems, and more particularly to an assistant for the practice of golf that allows a golfer to study and / or electronically introduce target locations easily and which should be avoided from a field golf, register these locations, then use that objective data to determine the relative distance and relative elevation up to those objectives using a personal digital personal assistant (PDA) and a global positioning system (GPS) device.

two. Background

p00004Since the beginning of the global positioning system (GPS) in the 1980s, many useful civil and military applications have been developed to utilize its positioning capabilities. Since GPS is primarily a military system, civil signals were previously degraded in a mode called selective availability (SA). Normally, positions up to a radius of 100 meters can be determined. For many applications that was sufficient and acceptable. For other applications, greater accuracy was required and numerous methods were developed to decrease the effect of SA and increase the level of accuracy of the civil signal. Many of these methods required further processing of the signal data and therefore could not be used in real-time applications. Other methods required the use of equipment with differential GPS (DGPS) to increase the accuracy of the signal in real time. These systems normally offered an accuracy of 1 to 5 meters but required additional receivers, communication links and antennas. They were portable systems but could not be easily pocket-sized.

p00005In May 2000, the Department of Defense authorized the general cessation of the SA on the civil signal. This has decreased the intentional errors in the signal and has increased the accuracy of commercial GPS receivers to generally from 1 to 10 meters. This margin of precision greatly improved existing applications and will create many opportunities for new applications.

p00006During the period in which the SA was activated, the error introduced by the government was the main error in the civil GPS system that required various techniques such as DGPS to sufficiently correct the distances for use on a golf course. With SA deactivated, DGPS is no longer necessary for calculations of sufficiently precise distances in short periods of time in which the environmental conditions remain essentially unchanged for a GPS system adjusted to the dynamics of a golfer's movement. US 5,751,294 discloses methods and apparatus for determining precise positions using a GPS system in which a GPS receiver is located in a reference location with a known position, the apparent GPS position is then compared with the known position. to determine an error correction. However, over longer periods of time, changes in the ionosphere and troposphere are now the main error in the civil GPS system when determining locations and distances on a golf course. Applying the processes of the present invention, these changes can be filtered and the adjustable GPS parameters can be set by the golfer for a specific field to achieve the necessary accuracies for the golf course environment. WO 69/21161 disclosed a method and system for determining location information on a golf course, including a computer device and a GPS device connected to the computer device.

p00007The present invention provides a personal, independent pocket device for the traveling golfer. Some previous systems use a base station installed in the field with radios to transmit correction data. This invention does not require any centralized equipment or the installation of radios on the golf course. Some systems require the installation of transmitters in the flag on the green. This invention does not require the installation of any transmitter in the field. Some systems require that study areas be predefined and that images of the field are generated by professionals and then provided to the golfer. Although this invention can use studies developed by others, the device owner can conduct his own personal studies using a simple card-based user interface with specialized objects and descriptors adapted for golf. Some systems require obtaining and applying bug fixes by satellite. This invention can adjust differences in environmental conditions from the moment the original study was conducted and the current game conditions for a set of objectives grouped as a network data set without having to apply corrections to individual satellites. If DGPS is used to apply corrections to individual satellites, the processes described by this invention can be applied to further improve system accuracy. Many systems require specific car-mounted equipment to determine the approximate position of the ball and calculate the distance to targets. This invention allows the golfer who moves to walk to the ball and place the device immediately on the location of the ball to determine the position of the balls and the distance to various objectives. The car-based systems are normally intended for a specific field and are shared by many golfers. This invention can be used in a variety of fields and can be adjusted to the personal dynamics of the golfer who moves from each field using adjustable GPS parameters.

Summary of the invention

p00008According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for measuring and displaying distances between a golfer and a desired location on a golf course according to claim 1. According to a second aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for measuring and displaying distances between a golfer and a desired location on a golf course according to claim 9. According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method for obtaining and processing location values ​​for a desired point on a golf course according to claim 17.

p00009An object of the present invention is to provide an assistant for the practice of personal golf that allows a golfer to personally study their own fields without relying on any local equipment other than a pocket device.

p00010Another object of the present invention is to provide an assistant for personal golf practice that accurately measures distances between a user and an object on a golf course.

p00011Brief description of the drawings

p00012Figure 1 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the main program of an embodiment of the present

p00013invention. Figure 2 shows a flow chart of a user input process module of an embodiment of the present invention

p00014Figure 3 shows a flow chart of a menu event processing module of an embodiment of the

p00015present invention Figure 4 shows a flow chart of a pencil drawing event processing module of one embodiment. of the present invention.

p00016Figure 5 shows a flow chart of a virtual button event processing module of an embodiment of

p00017The present invention. Figure 6 shows a flow chart of a physical button event processing module of an embodiment of The present invention.

p00018Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a state action process module of an embodiment of the

p00019present invention Figure 8 shows a flow chart of a distance calculation module of an embodiment of the present invention.

p00020Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a condition analysis module of an embodiment of the present

p00021invention. Figure 10 shows a flow chart of a scoring module and statistics of an embodiment of the present invention

p00022Figure 11 shows a flow chart of an adjustable GPS module for an embodiment of the present.

p00023invention. Figure 12 shows a flow chart of a data exchange module for an embodiment of the present. invention.

p00024Figure 13 shows a graph of control points and network points created without using DGPS Figure 14 shows a graph of control points and network points created using DGPS. Figure 15 shows a graph of control points and non-network points created using DGPS. Figure 16 shows a graph of control points and network points created using DGPS illustrating the

p00025recovery of properly adjusted events.

p00026Figure 17 shows a graph of control points and network points created using DGPS illustrating the recovery of events not properly adjusted. Figure 18 shows a main screen of a PDA user interface of an embodiment of the present

p00027invention.

p00028Figure 19 shows a target addition screen of a PDA user interface of an embodiment of the present invention.

p00029Figure 20 shows an objective description addition screen of a PDA user interface of an embodiment of the present invention.

p00030Figure 21 shows a screen for registering target locations of a PDA user interface of an embodiment of the present invention.

p00031Figure 22 shows a screen for marking the current location of the ball of a PDA user interface of an embodiment of the present invention.

p00032Figure 23 shows a used golf club registration screen of a PDA user interface of an embodiment of the present invention.

p00033Figure 24 shows a green objective screen of a PDA user interface of an embodiment of the present invention.

p00034Detailed description of the invention

p00035The preferred personal golf assistant of the present invention is an integrated software system specific to a golfer running on a PDA integrated with a GPS receiver with parameters adjustable to the individual dynamics of the golfer who travels, which allows to the user to initiate a simple process of study and / or electronic capture of geophysical data relevant to the game of golf such as the location of the center of the green, areas of the green, bunkers, water, trees, obstacles, etc. When appropriate, objective profiles can be captured to allow the golfer to later visualize the distance to the front / rear or any other point of interest along the profile based on their point of view and the current position of the ball.

p00036The preferred device allows the golfer to use the same pocket PDA / GPS unit during the game to mark the location of the ball and / or determine the distance to various objectives and avoid objects after adjusting the differences in environmental conditions from the moment An original study and current conditions were conducted. It takes into account the specific movement dynamics of an individual golfer in a specific field. A golfer can, if he wishes, easily study additional points during the normal development of the game, in real time, and then use that data immediately. In addition, a golfer can choose to record the locations of the ball on each stroke and select the used golf club as well as other relevant data such as street position (fairway), ball trajectory (straight, deviated to the left (hook) ), deviated to the right (slice), etc.), resting position (lie), sand saves, green in regulation, number of putts, etc. The software analyzes the location of the ball, the distance, the golf club and other information in order to generate useful statistics that can improve and / or strengthen the golfer's game. Objects that are objective / to avoid, distances and / or statistics can be displayed selectively in real time as text on the PDA screen and / or graphically on an electronic map of the field distribution of each hole and / or group of holes content in memory in the PDA. Information about distances can be displayed in yards or meters or other units as required. Other peripheral functions may also be displayed, such as timer functions, slope functions of the usual field, scoring functions, golf handicap functions, etc. Golf club suggestions can be displayed based on previously captured statistical data and the current distance to the target area.

p00037To make it easier for a golfer to easily adjust changes in environmental conditions, various special non-objective reference points on each hole can also be recorded during a study process. These benchmarks combined with the target points also allow the PDA itself to be used in a simulation mode as an electronic version of a field guide when the use of GPS is restricted either by the rules of the game or by other circumstances. When the use of GPS is restricted, the golfer can use the PDA itself as an electronic field guide by operating it in a simulation mode and making use of special non-objective targets or benchmarks. Going to a goal or a reference point, the golfer can simulate that the golfer is at that point in order to see the distances to all the objectives from that point and then make adjustments to the current location of the ball from that point in largely in the same way that sprinkler heads and other permanent markers are currently used to estimate the distance to the center of the green during the game.

p00038The golfer can also upload data from field objects previously studied by the golfer or others and adjust the distance processing to correct differences between current environmental conditions and environmental conditions when the field was originally studied. This process combined with real-time adjustable GPS parameters that can be adjusted to the dynamics of an individual golfer who travels in a specific field, allows to calculate relative distances with sufficient precision for golf without requiring the use of DGPS equipment or any mounted equipment in a golf cart or in a golf course infrastructure. As part of the process of using real-time adjustable GPS parameters and georeferenced object data adjusted for changes in environmental conditions, a golfer can also record the distances, locations and type of each golf stroke, associate them with the club stick. used golf and then generate a useful visualization, real-time suggestions based on games, statistics and previous scores for each golf game. The PDA itself can also be used in a simulation mode as an electronic version of a field guide.

Modes

p00039The preferred personal golf assistant system consists of software that runs on a pocket computing device such as a PDA associated with a GPS receiver. Examples of PDAs that can be used include those manufactured by Palm, Handspring and others. Alternatively, a handheld or other small processing device with a screen can be used. The GPS receiver and the computing device are contained in a single pocket case. It is an event driven system, as illustrated by the flowcharts in Figures 1-7. The user has the option of selecting the way to load a previously studied field and play a game of golf, or select the configuration mode to initiate a simple process of study and / or electronic capture of geophysical data points relevant to the game of the game. golf such as the location of the green center, green areas, bunkers, water, trees, obstacles, etc. While in game mode, the golfer can perform selected study functions to add new data points to the current field study. A simulation mode allows the golfer to use the PDA without the associated GPS for conditions in which the use of GPS is restricted or for strategy planning purposes while out of the field.

p00040Study and data capture

p00041The functions of study and data capture are implemented through several processes. The first process allows the user to study the objects that are objective / to avoid before playing a game of golf. A user interface screen presents the user with a hierarchical list of objects from which the user can choose and mark the geo-referenced location simply by pressing a virtual "register target" button on the PDA display touch screen. The GPS data will then be recorded automatically and associated with the object designation. A series of objects (for example objectives for a single hole) studied in a short period of time can be grouped as a network data set. A network data set is a group of points that retain their distance relationships even if important environmental changes take place. Absolute position accuracy is not as essential during the study as long as the relative position of the objects in a network data set is accurate. These data points will then be used during subsequent golf games in order to provide the basis for analysis and statistics.

p00042The second process allows the user to study the location of the objects that are objective / to avoid during the normal development of the game as the golfer reaches each location of the ball or area of ​​interest. The user enters the data through the menu presented on the PDA display touch screen. When the virtual “register target” button is pressed on the display touch screen, GPS location information is automatically registered and associated with the object designation.

p00043A third process allows the user to dynamically update or add study information during normal game development, even after previously entering location data. The golfer simply selects the element of addition or update and then press the "register objective" virtual button to automatically register the position data with the desired point or object. That data is then immediately available for use by the golfer. By making appropriate use of benchmarks before adding targets, the new target locations can be adjusted to match the environmental conditions of the network data set when the field was previously studied in order to preserve the relative distances of all the objectives in the network data set with each other.

p00044Position simulation

p00045When GPS use is restricted, a golfer can use a simulation mode to determine distances to objectives and obstacles in the field. By going to one of the special non-objective reference points or to any of the objectives in a hole, the golfer can pretend that the golfer is at that point in order to see the distances to all the objectives from that point. The golfer can then make adjustments to the current location of the ball from that point in much the same way that sprinkler heads and other permanent markers are currently used to estimate the distance to the center of the green during the game.

p00046In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, georeferenced distribution maps of the golf course can be shown on the PDA screen to allow the golfer to visually approximate and locate on the PDA screen new locations for the study of points and objects that are objective. avoid as well as approach and visually locate distances to those objects and points from an estimated marked position if no GPS signal was available. The golfer would have all the statistical and scoring functionalities of the software although a deductive calculation would approximate the distances.

Distance, score and statistics during the game

p00047In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the software allows the golfer to use immediately and in real time the same pocket PDA / GPS unit in the development of the game to dynamically display in real time on the PDA screen the distance from the golfer who holds the device of the PDA / GPS to the various objects that are objective / to avoid that the golfer studied previously and / or downloaded by means of a PC, land line or wireless link to the system.

p00048During the actual game of a golf game, the golfer can mark the location of the ball by pressing a virtual "mark ball" button on the PDA screen and then, as shown in Figure 8, automatically determine the distance to various objects that are objective and to avoid, and / or the relative elevation with respect to the objects that are objective / to avoid as well as the distance to which the ball was hit. In addition, the golfer may choose to record the locations of the ball on each stroke and select the used golf club as well as other relevant data such as street position, ball path (straight, hook, slice, etc.), sand saves, green in regulation, number of putts, etc. This allows the golfer to keep the golf club, distance and other characteristics of the stroke for immediate review on the PDA or a subsequent analysis on the PDA or other computing devices. This analysis could include, but is not limited to, calculate the average distance to which it is struck for each golf club based on data from a single game or multiple game items. Based on the average distances for each golf club and the current distance to a goal, the system could make recommendations of golf clubs for a particular stroke during the game.

p00049In the subroutine shown in Figure 8, yards by latitude and yards by longitude are generated for the golfer's current location on the ground when a new screen is displayed. This reduces the complexity and time required for real-time calculation and updating distances to all the objectives shown. An alternative method is to use the orthodrome formula to calculate the distance between all latitude and longitude points. Elevation differences can also be calculated and displayed.

p00050The scoring and statistics module shown in Figure 10 analyzes scores, ball location, distance, golf club and other information in order to generate useful statistics that can improve and / or strengthen a golfer's game. Objects that are objective to avoid and / or statistics can be displayed selectively as text on the PDA screen and / or graphically on geo-referenced and object-oriented distribution maps of each hole and / or group of holes contained in memory in the PDA. The software can also process accumulated field distances to generate daily field slope data for the golfer to use. Other data can also be generated and displayed, such as timer functions, handicap functions, etc.

EFilter settings for environmental conditions

p00051With one or more reference points included in a predefined study of known points of a golf course, a golfer can adjust the current environmental conditions over a period of time in order to correctly determine distances to predefined points of interest without requiring the use of DGPS equipment or any equipment mounted on a golf cart or golf course infrastructure. Unlike DGPS and other techniques that apply satellite corrections, the eFilter corrections of this invention apply to a set of data in network points. DGPS and other correction techniques may be used in conjunction with the techniques of this invention for additional accuracy, but are not necessary. The use of the eFilter will make DGPS-based calculations even more accurate. Figures 8 and 9 show the flow charts for the distance calculation and eFilter adjustment processes.

p00052Before starting to play, a golfer goes to the first reference point and presses a button on his PDA to instruct the software to correct the current environmental conditions. In the simplest way, this is achieved by comparing the current calculated latitude / longitude (Lat / Lon) with the previously studied Lat / Lon (LatS / LonS) for the reference point and calculating the difference in Lat and the difference in Lon . These differences become the basis of the correction values ​​referred to herein as Latitude / Longitude correction values ​​using eFilter (LatE / LonE). While the golfer plays in the field, if the eFilter is activated, all the target Lat / Lon (LatT / LonT) are adjusted using the correction values ​​using eFilter (LatE / LonE) as illustrated below:

p00053When the button is pressed at the first reference point:

p00054The adjusted Lat / Lon (LatTA / LonTA) of a subsequent target position is then calculated as follows when the eFilter is activated:

p00055The distance from the current position (Lat / Lon) to a target is then calculated using LatTA / LonTA instead of LatT / LonT.

p00056Where

p00057LatS = Lat of the reference point in the predefined study

p00058LonS = Lon of the reference point in the predefined study

p00059LatE = Lat correction value using eFilter

p00060LonE = Lon correction value using eFilter

p00061Lat = Lat reading by current GPS

p00062Lon = Lon reading by current GPS

p00063LatT = Lat of the target point in a predefined study

p00064LonT = Lon of the target point in a predefined study

p00065LatTA = Adjusted target point Lat

p00066LonTA = Adjusted lon of the target point

p00067An alternative method would be to calculate LatE as LatS-Lat and apply the adjustment to Lat instead of LatT (and the same for LonS).

p00068As long as the current environmental conditions are maintained fairly consistently, the distances will now be corrected with an accuracy of 1-3 meters. If the golfer observes that the calculated distances seem incorrect, he can go to the next previously studied reference point available and repeat the previous process to correct the new environmental conditions. The reference points can be previously studied in the support area (tee) of each hole and other specific points along the hole to allow the golfer to establish new eFilter correction values ​​in each hole. These specific reference points can be grouped as non-objective points (SmartMarks) and displayed in a list for each hole to allow the golfer to easily find the nearest reference point where he can adjust new environmental conditions and others that introduce errors in the solution of the position.

p00069If a golfer does not have a precise predefined study of known points in a field, he can conduct his own study as described above with the eFilter deactivated. As part of the study, you must select and study a recognizable reference point for the field and, if possible, reference points in the tee area and other specific points along each hole. The objects studied immediately after marking a reference point become a network data set (for example, all points recorded for a hole). As long as the study of data sets is completed within a period of time in which the environmental conditions are relatively constant, all points within the data set will have a precise deviation from the reference point. Once the data set is completed, the golfer can return to the reference point and verify that the distance to the reference point is within acceptable limits (for example 1-3 yards) while standing at the reference point for guarantee the validity of the network data set. If the distance to the reference point is greater than the acceptable limit when standing again at the reference point, the data set must be re-studied.

p00070When the golfer is ready to start playing later that day or some other day, the golfer goes to the first reference point and presses a button on his PDA to instruct the software to correct the current environmental conditions. The software will compare the current GPS Lat / Lon with the Lat / Lon studied for the reference point and calculate the difference in Lat and the difference in Lon. These differences become the basis of latitude / longitude correction values ​​using current eFilter (LatE / LonE). As the golfer plays in the field, if the eFilter is activated, all the target Lat / Lon are adjusted using the correction values ​​using eFilter. This process effectively applies the difference in environmental conditions from the moment the current points and conditions were originally studied. These settings are valid mainly for the data set associated with the reference point for that network data set. However, if the original study of the entire field was conducted in a sufficiently short time, the first reference point can also be considered a reference point for the entire field and the entire field is treated as a network data set.

p00071In this case the golfer only needs to set the eFilter at the beginning of the game instead of in each hole. At any time during the game, if the current conditions are changed resulting in errors outside the acceptable limits, the golfer can then go to the next reference point for a hole and create new eFilter correction values ​​for the current conditions they remain valid as long as the current conditions remain relatively constant.

p00072A golfer can also add a new goal to an existing field study if he recently went to a benchmark and created new eFilter correction values ​​for current environmental conditions as follows:

p00073If the eFilter is activated when you mark new targets, the target Lat / Lon will be adjusted to match the environmental conditions of the original study for the network data set. As the golfer adds new objectives to the network data set, if the eFilter is activated, the Lat / Lon for the objective (s) are adjusted and saved as follows:

p00074Where LatS = Lat of the reference point in the previous study LonS = Lon of the reference point in the previous study LatE = correction value of Lat by eFilter LonE = correction value of Lon by eFilter Lat = reading of Lat by current GPS Lon = Lon reading by current GPS LatTM = Modified Lat of the target point saved in the LonTM network data set = Modified Lon of the target point saved in the network data set The Lat / Lon saved for the objective (s) are effectively modified to match the conditions

p00075environmental data of the original network data set so that it can be treated as part of that data set

p00076in network. A golfer can add new reference points to an existing field study if he has at least one valid reference point stored in similar environmental conditions to those of the study points. For example, if a reference point was studied for the first and third holes, but not for the second hole, the golfer can go to one of the reference points and create new eFilter correction values ​​for the current environmental conditions. The golfer will then go to the second hole and mark the desired reference point for that hole with activated eFilter. This will modify the Lat / Lon of the new reference point when it is registered to match the environmental conditions of the original network data set.

p00077Before adding a new reference point, the golfer goes to a nearby reference point and creates a new eFilter to calculate the following:

p00078When the golfer goes to the location for a new reference point and marks it, if the eFilter is activated, the Lat / Lon for the reference point is adjusted and saved as follows:

p00079Where

p00080LatS = Lat of the known reference point, in the previous study

p00081LonS = Lon of the reference point known in the previous study

p00082LatE = Lat correction value using eFilter

p00083LonE = Lon correction value using eFilter

p00084Lat = Lat reading by current GPS

p00085Lon = Lon reading by current GPS

p00086LatRM = modified Lat of the new reference point stored in the network data set

p00087LonRM = Modified Lon of the new reference point stored in the network data set

p00088The Lat / Lon saved for the new reference point is effectively modified to match the environmental conditions of the original network data set so that it can be treated as part of that network data set.

p00089This same technique can be used to redial a reference point later for a hole that perhaps was originally marked with a bad position quality (for example the number of satellites in use decreased momentarily when the point was marked).

p00090Adjustments via eFilter2 for projected environmental conditions

p00091In one embodiment of the present invention, the software can also access a table of correction values ​​for projected environmental conditions over a specific period of time in order to more accurately determine distances to predefined points of interest on a golf course. . Before playing in a field, the golfer loads the corrections for the projected environmental conditions for the day the golfer plans to play. These corrections are in the form of Lat / Lon settings based on the date and time of day. With SA deactivated, the main error factor will be changes in the ionosphere. Since the effects of the sun on the ionosphere can generally be predicted at any given time for a specific location, a table of Lat / Lon adjustment values ​​can be generated for that specific location for a specific day and for specific periods of time during that day. .

p00092The software at any given time would consider the Lat / Lon adjustment values ​​in the table (referred to herein as adjustment values ​​using eFilter2) for the current date and time to adjust the expected environmental conditions and apply them as follows:

p00093The distance from the current position (Lat / Lon) to a target is then calculated using LatTA2 / LonTA2 instead of LatT / LonT. Where LatE2 = Lat correction value by eFilter2 of the table for a specific date and time period LonE2 = Lon correction value by eFilter2 of the table for a specific date and time period Lat = Lat reading by current GPS Lon = Lon reading by current GPS. LatT = Lat of the target point in a predefined study.

p00094LonT = Lon of the target point in a predefined study

p00095LatTA2 = Adjusted target point Lat

p00096LonTA2 = Lon adjusted target point

p00097As long as the current environmental conditions match the expected conditions, the distances will now be corrected for a higher degree of accuracy.

p00098Through the use of eFilter2, the original study conducted by the golfer will be recorded to a higher degree of accuracy. For example, when the original study of a course is done, the golfer would activate eFilter2 but not the basic eFilter (based on the reference points) described above. With eFilter2 activated, the Lat / Lon registered for the objective (s) would be calculated and saved as follows:

p00099Where

p00100LatTM2 = Modified Lat of the target point saved in the network data set

p00101LonTM2 = Modified lon of the target point saved in the network data set

p00102As long as the current environmental conditions coincide with the expected conditions, the distances will now be corrected for a higher degree of precision by reducing the effects of changing environmental conditions once a reference point is marked.

p00103The distances calculated during the game can also become less susceptible to changing conditions between benchmarks. Before playing in a field, the golfer can load the corrections for the projected environmental conditions for the day he plans to play. These corrections are in the form of Lat / Lon settings based on the date and time of day. In addition, by having one or more reference points included in a predefined study of known points of a golf course, the golfer can correct the current environmental conditions over a period of time in order to correctly determine distances to predefined points of interest. Before starting to play, the golfer could activate eFilter2 to constantly adjust the expected changes in the environment. The golfer then goes to the first reference point and presses a button on his PDA to instruct the software to calculate the basic eFilter for current environmental conditions. When the golfer plays in the field, if both the basic eFilter and eFilter2 are activated, all the target Lat / Lon are adjusted using the correction values, as illustrated below:

p00104When the button is pressed at the first reference point:

p00105Then the adjusted Lat / Lon of an objective position is calculated as follows when both eFilter are activated:

p00106The distance from the current position (Lat / Lon) to a target is then calculated using LatTA / LonTA instead of LatT / LonT, where LatS = Lat of the reference point in a predefined study LonS = Lon of the reference point in a study default LatE = Lat correction value via eFilter LonE = Lon correction value via eFilter

p00107Lat = Lat reading by current GPS Lon = Lon reading by current GPS LatE2 = Lat correction value by eFilter2 of the table for a specific date and time period LonE2 = Lon correction value by eFilter2 of the table for a specific date and time period LatT = Lat of the target point in a predefined study LonT = Lon of the target point in a predefined study LatTA = Lat adjusted of the target point LonTA = Lon adjusted of the target point

p00108Lift settings

p00109If the altitude for each objective is recorded in addition to its Lat / Lon position, the 3D distance from the golfer's current position to any objective can be calculated to include elevation differences adjusted by eFilter.

p00110When the golfer goes to a reference point and presses a button on his PDA to instruct the software to correct the current environmental conditions, the current altitude (Alt) is also compared with the studied altitude (AltS) for the point and the difference in altitude This difference is included with the correction values ​​for Lat / Lon as correction values ​​using eFilter (LatE / LonE / AltE). When the golfer plays in the field, if the eFilter is activated, all the target Lat / Lon / alt (LatT / LonT / AltT) are adjusted using the correction values ​​using eFilter (LatE / LonE / AltE) as illustrated by continuation:

p00111When the button is pressed at the first reference point, LatE and LonE are calculated as described above, as well as the following:

p00112The adjusted Lat / Lon (LatTA / LonTA) of a subsequent target position is then calculated as described above, as well as the adjusted Alt (AltTA) of target as follows:

p00113Then calculate the difference in elevation between the golfer and the target point as follows:

p00114To calculate three-dimensional (3D) distances for golf, the effects on the course of the golf ball due to differences in elevation must also be considered. The effective 3D distance to an uphill target is greater than the straight 3D distance between the two points due to dynamics of movement of the golf ball in flight and “more golf club” is needed (usually a stick number of lower golf) than a straight 3D distance would indicate. Also, the effective distance to a target downhill is less than the 3D distance in a straight line between the two points and “less golf club” is needed. The effective distance from the golfer's current position (Lat / Lon / Alt) to a target can be calculated using LatTA / LonTA / AltTA instead of LatT / LonT / AltT as follows:

p00115Or the two equations can be combined as follows:

p00116Where

p00117AltS = Altitude of the reference point in a predefined study AltE = altitude correction value using eFilter Alt = altitude reading by current GPS AltT = altitude of the target point in a predefined study AltTA = adjusted altitude of the target point Yds / Lat = Yards by latitude for that region of the terrain Yds / Lon = Yards by longitude for that region of the terrain Yds / Mtr = Yards per meter (assuming GPS has altitude in meters) EF = Elevation factor (> 1 for targets uphill, <1 for downhill targets) LatLonDist = 2D distance calculated using Lat / Lon data EffDist3D = Effective 3D distance calculated using Lat / Lon and Altitude data The value for EF can be determined from a simple path model which produces values ​​greater than

p001181 for uphill targets and less than 1 for downhill targets. A value of EF = 1 produces the 3D distance in a straight line. Most involved models can take into account air density based on current altitude. Other sensors can be added to the PDA / GPS combination such as humidity and temperature to be included in the trajectory model that produces the value for EF. If available, wind speed and direction could also be included.

p00119When a golfer adds new objectives to a network data set with the eFilter activated, the altitude is adjusted and saved for the objective (s) as follows:

p00120Where AltE = altitude correction value via eFilter Alt = altitude reading by current GPS AltTM = Modified altitude of the target point stored in the network data set Similarly, when a new reference point is added with the eFilter activated , fits and saves the

p00121altitude for the reference point as follows:

p00122Where

p00123AltE = altitude correction value using eFilter

p00124Alt = altitude reading by current GPS

p00125AltRM = Modified altitude of the new reference point stored in the network data set

p00126Target profiles

p00127The objectives have been described primarily as single point objectives, but in fact they can also be objective profiles consisting of a series of Lat / Lon / Alt points. The target profile could be the green profile, a bunker, a water hazard, etc. The distance from the golfer to any point in the goal profile can be calculated in the same way as described when the distance from the golfer to a single goal point was calculated. Adjustments using eFilter can be applied to all points along the profile to correct differences in environmental conditions in the same way as described above for a single objective point. The distances to significant points along the profile (for example, front / rear as seen from the current position of the golfer) that have been adjusted for differences in environmental conditions can be displayed on a graphic screen showing the profile, or to any point along or within the profile indicated by the golfer (for example, by touching a point along the profile).

p00128Set of dynamics tools of the golfer who moves

p00129In order to provide optimum performance on a golf course, the dynamics of movement of a golfer who travels must be considered. Since the PDA is a pocket-sized device, the associated GPS may experience moderate speeds while the golfer is in a golf cart, low speeds while the golfer is walking, and many breaks while the golfer is waiting to hit the ball. They are remarkably different movement dynamics with respect to a GPS used for other applications such as in a vehicle that travels downhill on the road. Although most of the time there will be an unobstructed view of the sky during normal play, some tee boxes may be hidden by the foliage, the balls are hit off the street and some car paths are made under covered areas. . GPS signals can bounce against nearby objects resulting in position errors due to effects of multiple paths. It is important to adjust the operation of the GPS device to reduce the impact of these events in the short term and at the same time to quickly recover from such events.

p00130A set of moving golfer dynamics tools (Mobile Golfer Dynamics Toolset, MGDT) that can allow the capture and analysis of GPS output data under varying conditions in an embodiment of the present invention adapts the GPS device to the dynamics of movement of a golfer who moves. The MGDT implemented to support the development of an embodiment of the personal golf assistant of the present invention can capture essential GPS data both during regular play and during the study process with and without the eFilter settings described above. This set of tools can also compare captured data with known benchmarks studied accurately and produce statistical summaries, as well as visual graphical representations of the results. The dynamics of pocket GPS movement can be observed, as well as the effects of using different adjustable parameters.

p00131The set of moving golfer dynamics tools (MGDT) of an embodiment of the present invention consists of several components:

p001321) A software module that runs on a PDA that sets the adjustable GPS parameters and captures GPS output data in varying conditions that reproduce the movement dynamics of a traveling golfer. GPS data can also be captured both during regular play and during a study process with and without the eFilter settings described above. This is done by pressing a "Start" button on the user interface. This initiates communications with the GPS device, assigns a reference tag to the data and continuously captures all GPS data including, but is not limited to, latitude, longitude, altitude, number of satellites and HDOP (horizontal precision dilution) . The data is stored in memory in the PDA for further analysis using the analysis module described below. Data capture is stopped by pressing an "End" button on the user interface. Using this process, data can be captured for analysis in the environment of the GPS device to be used.

p001332) A software module that loads the captured data, translates and formats the data for use in the analysis software described below. This is done by reading the reference tag associated with the captured GPS data and data stored in the PDA. In one embodiment, the latitude and longitude data is translated from the GPS output in decimal degrees format in order to facilitate the graphical representation of the data. The algorithm for this translation is: (+/-) ddd + (mm.mmm / 60), in which d are degrees of latitude and longitude and m are decimal minutes of latitude and longitude. The preceding sign (+/-) refers to north (+) or south (-) latitude and east (+) or west (-) longitude. The data is then formatted by separating the data sets with commas (comma separated values ​​-CSV) and opening and writing a new file for use using the analysis software.

p001343) An analysis software module that runs on a PC and compares the captured data with known benchmarks studied accurately and produces statistical summaries, as well as visual graphical representations of the results. This is done by loading the file produced by the translation software referenced above in a spreadsheet or other analysis software. The data is loaded into the spreadsheet or other analysis software and compared with known studied data points, that is, control points. The statistical analysis of the data sets is constituted by the standard deviation calculated for the data, as well as the average, the minimum and maximum deltas or the difference with respect to the control points. In addition, graphs are generated with reference to the control points for the visual analysis of the data to determine the relative and absolute patterns of the data sheets. (See the figures referred to below). It is an iterative process and is performed for each parameter set used. As the data sets are compared, the movement dynamics of the pocket GPS can be visualized, as well as the effects of using different adjustable parameters. Based on the results of this process, the optimal settings for the adjustable parameters of the GPS unit can be determined for each particular field, location or even for each individual golfer. The analysis of the movement dynamics provided by this module is described below.

p00135For the eFilter to act properly, the GPS must work in such a way that the points studied within a short time interval have similar deviation errors with respect to the actual location. Figure 13 was produced by the MGDT of an embodiment of the present invention for a series of test points along an XY grid showing the pocket GPS positions recorded over time without any DPGS correction. This analysis shows that although the GPS positions are "deviated", they differ from the correct position in similar quantities and therefore maintain their relative distances from each other as a set of network point data. Figure 14 shows similar results of the same pocket GPS using WAAS to obtain and apply DGPS corrections. This shows that DGPS increases accuracy as expected, and that this GPS was also properly programmed to produce a set of network point data. Figure 15 shows tube results of a GPS that although in general is more precise than that shown in Figure 13, produces points that are not networked and therefore cannot benefit from the use of the eFilter.

p00136Figure 16 shows the results of a GPS that experienced a short-term event that momentarily affected the accuracy of the position of a point, but that properly used adjusted parameters to quickly recover from the event. Figure 17 shows the results of a GPS without appropriate adjustable parameters that experienced a similar short-term event, but the effect on position accuracy spread over a period of time and at various points so that it would significantly affect the capacity of the golfer to use the GPS on a golf course.

p00137GPS parameters adjustable

p00138As illustrated in the previous section, a GPS that does not use adjustable GPS parameters set for the traveling golfer can produce disappointing results. Any GPS unit that can be programmed and configured with the required parameters can be used to improve performance. These include, but are not limited to, Magellan GPS for Pahn V and Handspring Visor series, GeoMcovery Geode GPS units, BAE Systems AllStar, Garmin, Tumble and Rockwell with RS-232 interface. Several parameters have been identified that need to be adjusted to produce optimal results for a specific field. These configurable parameters include position average, satellite elevation masking, satellite signal intensity masking, carrier phase smoothing and pseudo distance filtering. Each of these parameters are known configurable parameters in GPS applications. Carrier phase smoothing refers to the filtering of the actual GPS carrier signal for use as a reference in the internal GPS calculations in the GPS unit. Pseudo-distance filtering refers to the smoothing of the individual intervals calculated for GPS satellites before use in the production of a GPS navigation solution as an output of the GPS unit. The software module that controls the GPS configuration parameters is referred to herein as "Smart Filter" or "sFilter '. The function of sFilter is to dynamically allow the individual golfer who travels to set or monitor the parameters used to average the effects of multiple paths and other GPS signal errors. The ability of an embodiment of the present invention to be able to group a set of parameters that have been fine tuned to optimize GPS accuracy for a specific field or for an individual golfer allows the system to function optimally given environmental conditions. generals of a specific field. For example, a GPS in a desert field may work best with low satellite elevation masking and a large carrier phase smoothing filter. However, if those same settings are used in a field in a valley or in one with large buildings nearby, the golfer may experience poor results, while in this case an sFilter adjustment with a top satellite elevation mask and a Smaller carrier phase smoothing filter would work better. The preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the golfer to set the configurable parameters himself or download an optimized set of configurable parameters for a particular field from an external source. In addition, the PDA could automatically determine an optimized set of configurable parameters using an MGDT, such as the one described above.

p00139These adjustable parameters can be reviewed over time for a specific field since more golfers use the system and learn the best values ​​for that field. These values ​​can be published so that the golfer can set the adjustable GPS parameters before starting to play in a field. Adjustable GPS parameters could also be provided electronically to the golfer through various techniques described in the next section to further automate this process.

Data exchange

p00140Basic field position data and adjustable GPS parameters can be issued or transmitted to other nearby golfers. In addition, the results of any of the actions described above can be issued through a PDA infrared port or transmitted wirelessly to other nearby golfers to allow them to use the results of those actions without having to perform those actions on their own. In particular, this allows a person in a group, or a caddy, to be the designated person who periodically goes to specific landmarks and creates new eFilter for current environmental conditions. The new eFilter can then be transmitted in real time while playing in the field to other members in the group to allow them to more accurately determine distances for a predefined study of known target points in a field. Unlike DGPS type corrections that apply only to the current position, these settings apply to all target Lat / Lon values ​​within a network data set, thereby retaining their distance relationships between targets within of the network data set. This also allows a person to go ahead of the group marking new objectives that may not exist in the predefined field study and issue or transmit the new objectives to other members in the group so that they can have immediate access to distances calculated for new adjusted objectives. for current environmental conditions in real time, while they are playing in the field. Figure 12 shows the emission process in a flowchart.

p00141In order to further reinforce the accuracy of this system, the Lat / Lon settings for a specific area (including modeling as well as current environmental analysis) can be periodically transmitted to the pocket GPS device via satellite, wireless Internet, infrared emission or other communications for the current date and time. Again, unlike DGPS-type corrections that apply only to the current position, these settings apply to all target Lat / Lon values ​​within a network data set, thereby retaining their distance relationships. between objectives within the network data set.

p00142In order to further strengthen the usability of this system, this invention would allow the user to load the target objects / to avoid and the point data that the user has studied in a central processing computer by means of a PC and / or land line and / or wireless link. The central processing computer would apply certain quality control checks to the data and then make them available for download again to the users' PDA through the previous channels. The adjustable GPS parameters specific to this field can also be inserted into the field database to allow other golfers using this field data to automatically update their GPS with the adjustable parameters for this specific field. Once the central processor processes the data, it would be available for other golfers to download through an appropriate agreement. An embodiment of the present invention uses a website that would provide a means to carry out this data exchange.

User interface

p00143Since the preferred embodiment of the present invention is an objective-based system, instead of an image-based system, it provides a simplified user interface to quickly determine distances to key objectives (Your SkyCourse), as shown in the figure. 18. The objectives can be easily added beforehand or during the game by selecting them from a list of common golf goals (Tap Target to Add), as shown in Figure 19 and also describing the objectives (Edit Target) with additional text or selecting them from Common golf descriptor lists, as shown in Figure 20. Registration of a target location is achieved by placing on the target, pressing on a target that has been added to the list (Add Traget) on the screen and then pressing the record target button (Record Target), as shown in the figure 21. At the end of the list of objectives a mark ball button (Mark Ball) is provided to allow the coup player to place himself on the ball and press the button to record the current location of the ball (Mark Current Ball Location), as shown in figure 22 and select the used golf club (Tap Club Used) from a list of golf clubs adapted to those currently in the golfer's bag, as shown in the figure

p001442. 3. The objectives are classified to limit the list to objectives of interest (for example, Green Targets, Green Targets) as shown in Figure 24. This simplified user interface makes it practical for golfers to easily configure and study their own fields golf without relying on any additional equipment or expert.

Summary

p00145Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a compact, simplified and easy-to-use device and a process to capture real-world geo-location data that are of interest to a user, analyze that data and present it to a golfer in a useful and beneficial manner. .

p00146Although the above description contains many details, these should not be considered as limitations of the scope of the invention, but rather as an example of one or more embodiments thereof. Many other variations of this invention are possible. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined, not only by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims.