GB2517712A

GB2517712A - Golf bag comprising an integrated display screen configured so as to display information to a user

Info

Publication number: GB2517712A
Application number: GB1315320.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William St John Roberts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-28
Filing date: 2013-08-28
Publication date: 2015-03-04
Also published as: GB201315320D0

Abstract

A golf bag 100 system comprising a display screen 101 to which a processing unit 106 such as a smartphone may directly by USB 107 or wirelessly be connected (e.g. by Bluetooth). The smartphone has software that allows it to transmit information to the display screen relating to the GPS location of the smartphone (and thus, the golf bag) relative to features on the golf course, including the green and hazards including bunkers, water features and ditches. Additional information which may be transmitted and displayed includes meteorological information, social media updates and information about the golf course. The user interacts with the display unit, inputting information like score and type of club hit, which then transmits information back to the smartphone and to a central server using the wireless transceiver. This information is then made available for interrogation and further analysis by the user. To extend the life of the system, the battery in the smartphone is augmented by an additional rechargeable battery 104.

Description

Golf bag comprising an integrated display screen configured so as to display information to a user This invention relates to a golf bag that has the additional functionality of providing information on the location of a golf player relative to other locations/features on the golf course (e.g. the green, the hole, hazards) using a removable processing unit. This positional information may be augmented by other information including meteorological information (e.g. wind speed and direction) and social media updates.

Background to the invention

Whilst playing golf, there is a significant advantage in a player knowing their location on a golf course relative to other features. By having access to this information, the user is able to make informed decisions relating to the golf club that should be used for a particular golf shot -how to then play the shot and other elements of the game. If this positional information were then augmented with other information such as meteorological information, the golf player would have an even higher degree of situational awareness.

There are commercially available devices that provide the information described. These include handheld gps hardware devices with golf-specific software applications and smart-phones (e.g. AppleTM iPhoneTM, SamsungTM Galaxy S2) with a golf gps software application or app'. There are also golf vehicles (buggies') with integrated gps systems, much like those used in private road vehicles.

However, these devices have a number of drawbacks, particularly for the golfer or caddie who carries his/her golf clubs.

1. Whilst not in use, the device must be stored on the golfer's person (e.g. trouser pocket) or placed in a golf bag when not in use.

2. Smartphone based systems require interaction via a touch screen, which can be difficult when wearing a golf glove / in the cold / in wet weather conditions.

3. Smartphones are not weatherproof and when in inclement weather, must be contained within an additional waterproof wallet / casing, which is difficult to interact with.

4. The devices require an interaction step', which may include removing the device from its storage location and/or activating the device and interacting significantly with the software before returning the device to its storage location. As a result, the player's flow' from shot to shot is disrupted, resulting in a lack of focus and detraction from the enjoyment of playing a golf game.

5. The GPS function in smartphones is often energy intensive, resulting in rapid draining of battery charge.

6. Golf GPS computers are very expensive, retailing for £140-f 300, which when combined with the purchase of a new golf bag, increases the total price of a golfer's equipment.

Statement of invention

To overcome some or all of the drawbacks associated with the use of currently available devices, this invention provides locational/positional information (and preferably meteorological) on a display screen integrated into a golf bag that is connected to a processing unit -which may be a smartphone. The golf bag may be designed either as a carry or trolley bag.

The display screen displays information provided by a processing unit located within the golf bag, which is either a bespoke golf computer' with gps functionality or a smartphone that is enclosed within a compartment of the golf bag and temporarily attached to the screen via a USB cable (or similar), or connected via Bluetooth or other wireless communications protocol. The latter is particularly advantageous as the user will most probably already have a smartphone, which significantly reduces the cost of the system.

The processing unit that is connected to the display screen which is in turn integrated or attached to the golf bag can display any relevant information but will preferably have at the minimum the following functionality: 1. A GPS and barometer capability 2. A compass 3. wireless communication capability 4. An accelerometer 5. An ability to wirelessly transmit to -and receive data from -a central server, via a base transceiver station and the internet/Cloud. The data may relate to, inter ala, distance from features on the golf course, direction to the golf hole, location, meteorological data, player performance (e.g. score), social media updates and personal communications (definable by the user) The display screen may be located anywhere on the golf bag, but is most advantageously located in a position that allows clear line of sight and access by the user. The technical specification of the display screen allows the clear display of information in all weather and light conditions. The display has a low power requirement due to the technology used -specifically Electronic Ink (ElnkTM) licensed technology, but it may also be based on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Organic Light Emitting Diode display (OLED), Plasma Display, LED (Light Emitting Diode) or similar display technologies. The display screen is robustly designed and waterproofed, with the option of a retractable cover intended to protect the screen when not in use (e.g. when in transit / storage). This will reduce the risk of the unit being damaged by the ingress of moisture during inclement weather / high humidity conditions and reduce the risk of accidental damage to the screen.

The display screen and surrounding housing has a means by which the user can interact with the display -to change the information displayed for example or upload their score to the computer.

The mechanism for this interaction is either be the incorporation of push buttons or touch-screen functionality, which with respect to the latter, may be afforded by the use of a capacitative screen, Infra Red or similar. Future products will allow the interaction of the user with the system by any other means, including voice and gesture control.

To ensure that the system is able to provide the user with information for an extended period of time (i.e. beyond the time required to play one round of golf) a compact, preferably removable rechargeable battery will be integrated into the bag also. This will enable the user to remove the battery and charge it prior to commencing play, extending the battery life of the system.

In addition to the visual display screen, there is an option to include an auditory feature, whereby an automated voice reports selected information to the user, in a similar way to how GPS navigation systems providing periodic directional information and traffic updates to drivers. This may be via a speaker in the golf bag, or a Bluetooth (or similar) enabled earpiece wirelessly or directly) linked to a transmitter embedded in the golf bag.

To extend the life time of the battery, the system may preferably be configured so that the display screen only displays information under predetermined circumstances such as when the golf bag is approximately static. In the version where a smartphone is used, this may already be achieved by the exploitation of the accelerometer in many smartphone models. Where a smartphone is not used, an accelerometer may be incorporated into the design of the bag. Alternatively, the display may be activated when the carry bag golf bag stand' is deployed.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 shows a golf bag 100 having a display screen 101 according to the current invention and various locations for the display screen and the deployment of the golf bag stand 102.

Fig la shows the information that may be displayed on the display screen 101, including a schematic representation of the golf hole being played.

Fig 2: Shows a schematic of the first embodiment of the invention and how the display screen is linked to a processing unit and rechargeable power pack / battery.

Fig 3: Shows the processing unit 106, which may be a smart phone Fig 4: shows the communication of the golf bag system with communication infrastructure and bi-directional flow of data.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention as depicted in Fig 2 comprises a golf bag 100, a processing unit 106, and a display screen 101 with the functionality to wirelessly and directly communicate with the processing unit 106. The display screen is housed within a robust, waterproof enclosure, with a robust retractable transparent or opaque cover. This affords the user the opportunity to protect the screen when in storage or in transit. The shape of the screen is dependent on the preference on the user (e.g. oval, square), but for the purposes of this document is represented as being rectangular.

The locational information on the display screen is provided by a processing unit, which may be a smartphone, connected either directly by USB cable 107 or by Bluetooth to the display screen 101 via a radio transceiver 115. The processing unit 106 is then stowed away within the golf bag in a waterproof compartment. The operational lifetime of the system is augmented by an additional battery pack 104. Information displayed on the display screen 101 may also be communicated to the user as sound via a speaker 108 or to an earpiece 113 from a radio transmitter 111 either contained within or connected to the processing unit 106 (for example, an automated voice may say "One hundred yards to the hole").

The processing unit 106 at the minimum comprises a wireless transceiver 160 for communicating with mobile phone base stations, a GPS receiver 180 for determining the location of the processing unit 106, a compass 170 for determining an orientation of the processing unit 106, a Bluetooth transceiver 150 for communicating with other Bluetooth capable devices, a display driver 130 for displaying information on the screen of the processing unit 106 and an amplifier 140 for giving audible output via speaker 185. The processing unit 106 also comprises a headphone jack 220, accelerometer 250, a power management system, including a rechargeable battery 230 and a charging and communication port 235. The compass 170 comprises one or more magnetic sensors.

The processing unit 120 typically comprises one or more integrated circuits of the processing unit 106, the integrated circuits including a processor core and memory.

Prior to use on the golf course, a software application (an app') is installed on to the processing unit 106, which configures the processing unit 106 as a component of the golf bag and enables it to communicate with the display screen integrated into the golf bag. As shown in Fig 4, the application is linked to a database on a central server 118 containing licensed gps data for golf courses in the UK, EU and the rest of the World.

Prior to initiating the game of golf, the golfer charges the rechargeable battery pack 104 and attaches it to the system. The power pack may either be removed from the bag and charged in a dock' or charged in-situ', in the bag. The incorporation of an additional battery to that already incorporated in the processing unit is a very advantageous feature of the invention as allows a significant increase in the lifetime of the processing unit 106 and thus the length of time for which the system may be used. The lifetime of this may further be increased by the incorporation of a solar panel that can charge The golfer then attaches the processing unit 106 to the system via a manufacturer specific cable (e.g. USB) or by using wireless communication protocol like Bluetooth. This connection allows both the transfer of data and the transfer of electrical charge between the rechargeable battery 104 and the processing unit 106 In use, when approaching the tee' to play the first golf shot of a hole, the golfer deploys the golf bag stand 102 adjacent to the location from which they will strike the ball. The placement of the bag and activation of the golf bag stand 102, or the cessation on movement may activate the screen, or the screen may continuously be on. The user then observes the screen, on which is displayed locational information generated by the software application using data collected from the GPS sensor in the processing unit. To ensure that the information displayed is for the correct hole, there may advantageously be a button or interaction step' whereby the user is able to input information relating to the golf hole being played. Advantageously, the application software as described in all preceding claims is configured in such a way as to be able to deduce the hole that the user is playing, based on the GPS location of the processing unit, direction of travel and golf course geography.

Using the display screen 101 and associated user interface, the user may indicate their arrival at the location of their golf ball, and the user may also input information including the type of club played at a given position and the quality of the shot played (e.g. poor, good, excellent). As described in Figure 4, periodically, the processing unit 106 may transmit this data to a central server 118 via a base transceiver station 116, where it will be stored for later analysis by the user on a computer liSa. Where communication with the central server is not possible, this information is temporarily stored on the device and uploaded when it has connectivity. This post-game analysis will reveal patterns in the golfer's game, including the most frequently played clubs for particular distances.

Using the results of this analysis, the system will display on the display screen a recommendation of the best club for the user to hit in real time.

To reduce the energy requirements of the display screen 101, an embodiment of the invention may include the exploitation of the accelerometer embedded within the processing unit 106. When the golfer places the golf bag 100 on the ground prior to taking a golf shot, the accelerometer 114 will detect the cessation in movement of the golf bag 100 and via the software app', will activate the display screen 101. The accelerometer 250 will be configured to allow for a small amount of movement due to wind etc, so the bag may not have to be completely stationary.

Advantageously, the processing unit 106 may have an integrated compass providing information on the orientation of the golf bag 100 (North, East, South, and west). By integrating this directional information with the locational information, the golf bag 100 display screen 101 may then also provide an indication of the location of the golf hole (this is particularly useful on blind' holes or when there are trees or other structures obscuring the golfer's view of the target). A representation of this is illustrated in Fig la.

Where the processing unit is a smartphone, this has the significant advantage in that the cost of the system is significantly reduced. The user is able to exploit all the sensors and functionality within the smartphone to generate a simple, informative output on the integrated display screen. This overcomes several of the issues associated with using the Smartphone directly as a Golf GPS device, and significantly reduces the cost of the golf bag in comparison to purchasing the bag and a separate golf computer.

In addition to the display screen 101, locational information may also be communicated to the golfer via a wireless Bluetooth enabled earpiece 113 or other radio or wireless protocol. On the activation of the software application by the cessation of the golf bag 100 or otherwise, a wireless signal 112 is sent to the earpiece 113 via the Bluetooth transmitter 150 in the processing unit 1%. contained within this wireless signal is the data required to generate an auditory message in the ear piece 113.

For example, "lloyards to the hole" or "Soyards to nearest bunker". The earpiece 113 will contain a speaker, micro-processor, Bluetooth transceiver and rechargeable power source (battery). The earpiece may also incorporate a microphone, enabling the user to interact with the system by voice control, exploiting voice recognition technologies like Sin on the Apple iPhoneTM. This will have the advantage of the user being able to obtain this information when they are remote from the bag or the screen is out of direct line of sight.

The information provided may be considered similar to that provided by a golf caddy' in professional golf -someone who carries a player's golf bag 100 and provides advice and guidance on the tactics to be used, including what club to hit, taking into account the weather and course conditions etc. Information displayed on the display screen may be configurable by the user and may include: i. Distance of player and golf bag from the hole (calculated using GPS data from the GPS receiver within the processing unit) ii. Distance of player and golf bag to hazards on the golf course -e.g. bunkers / water / ditches iii. Meteorological information (i.e. wind speed and direction, weather conditions) iv. Direction to hole v. Golf course information (i.e. Golf course name, hole number, stroke index, par score) vi. Score vii. Time viii. Social media updates (e.g. Twitter! email notifications) ix. Media files (e.g. Vine, MP4, JPEG, PNG) x. Personalised advice on club selection based on data held centrally on server xi. A schematic representation of the golf hole, including the position of the golf bag on the golf course.

xii. A schematic representation of the golf hole, including the position of the golf bag on the golf hole.

The communication infrastructure with which the processing unit interacts includes a base transceiver station 116 (cell phone mast) for wirelessly communicating with the processing unit 106, a satellite 117 for communicating with the base transceiver station 116, a central server 118 for communicating with the satellite, and a computer terminal liSa for communicating with the central server 118 (as described in Fig. 4). a

The data generated by the user of the invention will automatically be uploaded to a database on a central server 118 via the internet (exploiting 36 or 46 technologies) by the processing unit 106.

Using a bespoke data analytics platform, the user will then be able to access their historical performance data on their home computer and conduct an analysis of his or her golf play over that golf course round, informing their understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses whilst playing. They will be able to compare their play with that of others playing the same course.

Claims

ClaimsGOLF BAG COMRISING AN INTEGRATED DISPLAY SCREEN CONFIGURED SO AS TO DISPLAYINFORMATION TO A USER1. A golf bag comprising an integrated display screen wherein the display screen is configured so as to be able to be wirelessly and directly connected to a processing unit which provides the means by which data can be displayed on the display screen.
2. A golf bag and integrated display screen as described in Claim 1, which is coupled to a removable processing unit (which may be a smartphone) by a wireless communication protocol (e.g. Bluetooth) or directly by a cable (e.g. USB).
3. A golf bag as described in claim 1 wherein the display screen assembly is removable from the golf bag.
4. A golf bag as described in claim 3 wherein the integrated display screen is attachable to the exterior of the golf bag using an adhesive, magnetic clip, Velcro, or other attachment method.
5. A golf bag as described in claim 1 wherein the deployment of the golf bag stand activates the integrated display screen.
6. A golf bag as described in claim 1 wherein the cessation of movement activates the integrated display screen.
7. A golf display screen as described in all preceding claims that has low power requirements -achieved by use of Electronic lnkTM display technology or other low power requirement display technologies.
8. A golf bag as described in claim 6 whereby the cessation of movement is detectable via exploitation of GPS or accelerometer data collected by the processing unit.
9. A display screen according to all preceding claims whereby the user is able to configure the information displayed on the integrated display screen, using push buttons integrated into the housing of the display screen, by selecting display units via the application installed on the processing unit (according to claim 11) or by exploitation of touch screen technology in the display screen (e.g. Infra Red or capacitative touch screen technology).
10. A golf bag as described in all preceding claims whereby the processing unit is a smartphone.
11. A golf bag as described in all preceding claims which has a processing unit which provides the means of processing data and wirelessly or directly communicating this data to the display screen.
12. A processing unit as described in all preceding claims which has integrated into it: a compass, wireless transceiver, gps receiver, Bluetooth transceiver, camera, gyroscope, barometer, rechargeable battery, display driver, amplifier, speaker, headphone jack and memory card drive.
13. A golf bag in which the processing unit as described in all preceding claims is configured to receive historical and live streaming data from a central server, process, then transmit the resulting information to the display screen as described in all preceding claims. This information is provided to the processing unit automatically and on an on demand' basis as instructed by the user.
14. A golf bag as according to all preceding claims which collects data generated by the user and transmits it to a central server for storage on the database and later analysis.
15. A golf bag as described in all preceding claims wherein the processing unit is a smartphone having an application installed which confers to the smartphone an ability to communicate with the display screen and associated transceivers as described in any preceding claims, and transmit and receive data to and from a central server via the internet! cloud.
16. A golf bag as described in all preceding claims wherein the processing unit is a smartphone having an application installed which configures the srnartphone as the gps sensor of the golf bag described in all preceding claims.
17. A golf bag as described in all preceding claims wherein the processing unit is a smartphone having an application installed which configures a smartphone as the compass sensor of the golf bag described in claims ito Sand any preceding claim.
18. A golf bag as described in all preceding claims wherein the processing unit is a smartphone having an application installed which configures a smartphone as the accelerometer of any preceding claim.
19. A golf bag as described in all preceding claims wherein the processing unit is a smartphone having an application installed which configures a smartphone as the processing unit for the golf bag according to any preceding claim.
20. A golf bag as described in all preceding claims wherein the processing unit is a srnartphone having an application installed which calculates the location of the golf bag relative to defined locations of interest in the vicinity.
21. A golf bag according to claim 1 and all preceding claims, wherein the operational lifetime (i.e. battery life) of the system comprising the display screen and processing unit is increased by the addition of a rechargeable battery to the system which is connected directly to the processing unit and display screen.
22. A golf bag as described in any preceding claims wherein the rechargeable battery may be wirelessly or directly charged in-situ (still located within the golf bag), or may be removed and charged using a mains electric supply.
23. The configuration of the central server to analyse the performance of the user during the course of a golf game, allowing the user to review and analyse their performance from a computer (e.g. laptop) connected to the server at a time after the completion of the golf game.
24. A system described in all preceding claims whereby the user may interact with the invention using voice commands.
25. A system described in all preceding claims whereby the processing unit provides information to the user by an auditory output.
26. A golf bag substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.