Golf GPS device and system

Abstract

A portable golf GPS device comprising a microprocessor operably coupled to a GPS unit, an input device such as a keypad (or touch screen) operably coupled to the microprocessor, and a display such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) operably coupled to the microprocessor. A program memory system which contains at least some of the software and data to operate the device is also operably coupled to the microprocessor. The portable golf GPS device is preferably contained in a housing such that the entire device has a very compact and lightweight form factor, and is preferably handheld and / or pocket size. The golf GPS device is configured to display distances to course features overlaid onto photographic satellite / aerial images of a golf course.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field of the invention generally relates to electronic devices which utilize the global positioning system (“GPS”) to determine locations and distances, and more particularly to a GPS device for determining distances to features on a golf course, and displaying the distances to features, golf course images, and / or other golf related data. The invention also relates to systems and methods for supporting such a GPS device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Various golf GPS devices, both handheld and golf cart-mounted, have been previously disclosed and described in the prior art. Generally, these devices comprise a GPS receiver and processing electronics (the “GPS system”), a display such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) or cathode ray tube (“CRT”), and a user input device such as a keypad. Golf course data is input and stored in the golf GPS device, including for example, the coordinates for locations of greens, bunkers and / or other course features. T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention comprises a portable golf GPS device and system which is simple, accurate, and easy to use, yet provides excellent functionality and features in a compact, lightweight form factor. The portable golf GPS device of the present invention generally comprises a microprocessor operably coupled to a GPS unit, an input device such as a keypad (or touch screen) operably coupled to the microprocessor, and a display such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) operably coupled to the microprocessor. A program memory system which contains at least some of the software and data to operate the device is also operably coupled to the microprocessor. The device also comprises various firmware and software configured to control the operation of the device and provide the device functionality as described in more detail below. In addition, data utilized by the device, such as golf course data and images, may be stored in the program memory or other memory module such as Secure Digital memory card (“SD Card”), USB based memory devices, other types of flash memory, or the like.

[0014]For portability, the golf GPS device of the present invention is self-contained, compact and lightweight. For example, the device is preferably battery operated. The portable golf GPS device is preferably contained in a housing such that the entire device has a very compact and lightweight form factor, and is preferably handheld and small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket of a user's clothing. For example, the entire golf GPS device may be 4 inches long (4″), by 2 inches wide (2″), by 0.6 inches thick (0.6″), or smaller in any one or more of the dimensions. The entire golf GPS device may weigh 3.5 ounces or less, including the battery.

Problems solved by technology

However, the '485 patent does not describe how the course data is generated, or how daily tee and hole positions are determined.

The means for updating and supplying course data through removable IC cards which are programmed on a host computer and then inserted into the golf computer is clumsy and inconvenient.

Moreover, the '485 patent only describes a cart-based golf computer, and although the '485 patent suggests that portions of the device (the display and input means) could be implemented on a handheld unit such as the Apple Computer Company's NEWTON™, there is no enabling disclosure of a fully integrated, standalone, handheld golf GPS device.

However, none of the previously described golf GPS devices provides a convenient, pocket-sized form factor, a high-resolution color display capable of displaying photographic images of a golf course, flexible calibration to improve accuracy, or the functionality and ease of use to take full advantage of such features.

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