WO2025106492A1

WO2025106492A1 - Mobile applications for identification

Info

Publication number: WO2025106492A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/055648
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher HURRY; Jon Hurry; Jonathan Robert HRESKO
Original assignee: Propitious Technical Services
Current assignee: Propitious Technical Services
Priority date: 2023-11-15
Filing date: 2024-11-13
Publication date: 2025-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-15
Also published as: WO2025106758A1

Abstract

A mobile device and method for identifying individuals, including individuals that are participating in an event within a predetermined boundary. The method includes receiving an identification signal relating to the identity and the location of an individual; based on the identification signal, displaying an icon representing the individual; receiving, from a database, background information related to the individual; receiving, from a server, real-time information related to the individual; and displaying, on the user interface, in combination with the icon, the background information and the real-time information. The method may be equipped with facial recognition, including the steps capturing an image of the individual with the mobile device's camera, processing the image with a facial recognition algorithm, comparing the processed image with a faceprint database, and providing a facial identification message on the user interface indicating the identity of the individual based on the captured image.

Description

MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR IDENTIFICATION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile application and system for the identification of sports figures and celebrities.

[0002] Identification of athletes/famous people can be challenging. One example would be a professional golfer on a golf course during a tournament. From a distance the golfer is not readily identifiable until they reach a proximity when a spectator is able to see them or a sign containing their name that is being carried with the group.

[0003] Identifying an athlete and their current statistics or performance information can be challenging when at an event or watching an event on TV. There is no way to identify the player or person and retrieve information about them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a mobile device and a method for displaying information on a mobile device for readily identifying individuals such as athletes and celebrities, including for identifying individuals that are participating in an event set within a predetermined boundary.

[0005] In one embodiment, the method includes receiving with the mobile device an identification signal relating to the identity and the location of an individual; based on the identification signal, displaying on the user interface an icon representing the individual; providing a database containing information relating to a series of people within a category of people; communicating to the database the identification of the individual received in the identification signal; receiving, from the database, background information related to the individual; receiving, from a remote server, real-time information related to a status of the individual; and displaying, on the user interface, in combination with the icon, the background information and the real-time information. [0006] In one embodiment, the method includes providing a GPS transponder in proximity with the individual, and wherein the receiving of the identification signal includes receiving an identification signal generated by the GPS transponder. The method may include displaying a map on the user interface, with the icon positioned at a location on the map corresponding to the location of the individual.

[0007] The method may also be equipped with facial recognition, including the steps of providing a camera on the mobile device, capturing an image of the individual with the camera, processing the image with a facial recognition algorithm, comparing the processed image with a faceprint database, and providing a facial identification message on the user interface indicating the identity of the individual based on the captured image. The facial identification message may be displayed simultaneously with the background information and the real-time information.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method includes providing a GPS transponder on the mobile device, comparing the position of the mobile device with the location of the individual received in the identification signal, and providing an alert, via the mobile device, when the mobile device enters a predetermined radius from the individual. The method may further include a user walking with the mobile device within a boundary of an event space in which individuals are participating, such as a golf course, the golf course having a number of golf holes, the mobile device providing an alert when the mobile device has entered the boundary of one of the number of golf holes, the mobile device displaying on the user interface the number of the one of the golf holes. The mobile device may additionally include providing an alert, based on one or more identification signals received on the mobile device, of the identity of the one or more individuals within the boundary of the one of the golf holes upon the mobile device entering the boundary of the one of the golf holes.

[0009] In another embodiment, the method includes indicating to the user of the mobile device when one or more golf course services selected from the list of: a restroom, a concession stand, a medical station, a seating location and a merchandise shop are positioned within a predetermined distance from the one of the golf holes, and including displaying on the user interface an icon representing the one or more golf course services upon the mobile device entering the boundary of the one of the golf holes. The mobile device may display on the user interface an augmented reality view of the one of the golf holes, wherein a real-time view of a portion of the one of the golf holes is displayed on the user interface, and the portion of the one of the golf holes is overlayed with at least one of the golf course services, background information and real-time information. The augmented reality view may also include an advertisement overlayed on the real-time view of the portion of the one of the golf holes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 is a front view of a mobile device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to systems and applications for identification of individuals and data presentation related to the identified individuals. In one embodiment, the system may communicate with a GPS transponder or other communication device connected to an individual or in proximity to the individual, or locate the individual on a map, and the system may be programmed to notify or display information relating to the individual to the user of the mobile device. In another embodiment, the current invention includes using a mobile device, such as a smart phone, iPad or laptop to point a sensor, such as a camera, at a person with the mobile device programmed to identify the person and provide and display data associated with that person. In one embodiment, this could be an athlete, movie star, or other famous person.

[0013] Identification of the person can be from a sensor connected to the mobile device, such as a camera, biometrics, an associated file, or alternatively through a tag or transponder proximate to the person has with them a device that shows the location. This could be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cell or any other communication device that will transmit to a router, cell tower or any other relay mechanism.

[0014] In one embodiment, the present invention includes using a mobile device for the identification of a person, such as an athlete or movie star, that is displayed on a TV/proj ection screen. As with the above noted identification of an individual via a sensor, the person can be identified via biometrics, jersey number or any other distinguishing feature that is associated with the individual. In one embodiment, this could be something like a player number or a box with high resolution QR code that is attached to or associated with the player. [0015] In one example of the programming of this system, a spectator at a golf tournament may see a player walking down the fairway of a particular golf hole when the player is 250 yards away, which may be too far for the spectator to visually identify the individual. The spectator may launch the current system as an application on a mobile device, point the camera of the mobile device at the player, utilize the camera to zoom in on the the player, and the system may be programmed to receive input from the camera or other sensor to imports all relevant data to the mobile device to be displayed on the mobile device. Examples of the information related to the player to be displayed on the mobile device include the player’s name, current state or status in the round or in the tournament, ranking information, and another other information that is relevant. For instance, the mobile device may be programmed, upon receiving input from the sensor data, that the particular player identified, just hit a 340 yard drive, and is tied for 4^th place in the current tournament with 12 holes remaining in the current round, along with any other relevant information.

[0016] In another example related to golf, an individual participating at a golf tournament may launch an embodiment of the present application on a mobile device, and the device is programmed to display the course layout and the participant’s location. Each participant on the course may be identified by a dot or other indicator that a user of the mobile device can select to obtain current stats related to that participant. The system may additionally be programmed to display a walking map or series of directions relating to how to get from a current position to another participant.

[0017] As noted, in one embodiment, the current invention includes the use of a sensor for identifying an individual, such as an athlete or celebrity, communicating that information to a mobile device of the user, and displaying information on the mobile device related to the identified individual. In this embodiment, the system includes a capture device, which may be a sensor, such as a camera or a smartphone, capable of capturing images or video in real-time. The system additionally incudes facial recognition software, such as a software module running on the mobile device or a cloud-based server that processes the captured image from the capture device to extract a faceprint (unique facial features) and compares it to a database of stored faceprints. The faceprint database may be a storage medium containing faceprints of individuals, including athletes or celebrities, with each stored faceprint associated with detailed metadata such as name, biography, career details, and other relevant information. The system may further include a display output, (e.g., a screen on the mobile device) configured to present the identified individual’s information in a user-friendly format.

[0018] In such an embodiment, an image or video stream of a subject (e.g., a person) is captured via the camera sensor of a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device. The captured image may be processed in real-time, and data relating to the captured image is processed with a facial recognition software that utilizes an algorithm, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN), to detect the presence of a face within the captured image. Once detected, key facial features (e.g., the distance between the eyes, the shape of the jawline, the contours of the nose, and the placement of the mouth) are extracted to form a faceprint. This faceprint is a digital representation of the individual's unique facial features.

[0019] Once captured, the faceprint is then compared against a database of pre-stored faceprints of known athletes or celebrities. The comparison is performed using similarity metrics or deep learning models that match the faceprint from the image to the closest match in the database. Upon successfully matching the faceprint, the system retrieves metadata associated with the identified athlete or celebrity from the database. This metadata may include a variety of information related to the identified individual, including: name, career achievements (e.g., statistics, awards, and records), biography or background information, social media handles or profiles, upcoming events (e.g., matches, appearances). The data may additionally include real-time data obtained from a database related to a particular event, such as the individual’s current score and place in the event, the location of the individual within the geographical area of the event, the amount of the event remaining for the particular user, and information related to a particular aspect of the current contest, such as the distance of the most recent shot in the context of a golf match.

[0020] The retrieved information may be formatted and displayed on the mobile device's display screen in a user-friendly interface. The display may include text, images, video clips, or links to social media profiles, news articles, or other online resources related to the identified individual or the event in which the identified individual is associated. For example, in the context of a golf match or golf tournament event where the user identified is a participant in a golf tournament hosted at a particular golf course, the retrieved and displayed information may include one or more of: the individual’s name, the name of the golf course, the individual’s current score for the round, the individual’s current score for the tournament, the hole that the individual is currently playing, the number of strokes the individual has taken on the particular hole, the distance of the individual’s prior shot, the shot path of the individual’s prior shot, the distance remaining to the pin, the location of the player with respect to a map of the course, and any other relevant information.

[0021 ] The system may include one or more additional features such as : additional realtime notifications, wherein the system may include the capability to notify the user of any recent updates related to the identified athlete or celebrity, such as new social media posts or breaking new; integration with other services, wherein the system may also integrate with third- party services, such as event ticketing platforms, allowing the user to directly purchase tickets for upcoming events involving the identified athlete or celebrity and multi-subject recognition, wherein the system can simultaneously recognize and identify multiple faces in a group image or video stream, providing relevant information for each identified individual.

[0022] In another embodiment, the system may communicate with a GPS transponder or other communication device connected to an individual or in proximity to the individual, and the system may be programmed to notify or display information relating to the individual to the user of the mobile device. More particularly, the processor of the mobile device can be programmed to receive and display information related to an athlete or celebrity by leveraging GPS or other location data from a device connected to or in close proximity to the athlete or celebrity. In one embodiment, an athlete participating in a competition may wear a small RFID (radio frequency identification) chip or a GPS-enabled tracker that captures real-time position data relating to the athlete. The chip or other device may send a signal to a receiver, which may relay the data to a central system such as a local server or a cloud-based server. This data is then sent to the mobile device via the server or cloud-based system. Upon receiving this GPS information, the mobile device may cross-reference the athlete's or celebrity's current location with a database of associated content and events. If the athlete or celebrity is nearby, the mobile device can automatically trigger the display of the identity of the individual, as well as other relevant background and real-time information such as event details, live updates, biography, upcoming appearances, or promotional content. This information is presented on the device’s screen, providing the user with immediate, context-aware insights about the person in close proximity, enhancing their experience by connecting real-time location with personalized content. The device may also display any of the information related to the athlete as described above. The background information, such as the individual’s name, ranking, physical statistics, averages, and prior scores may be provided on a database containing information relating to athletes or celebrities, and in one example a database of a certain category of individual such as professional golfers. The real-time information may be provided via a server in communication with the mobile device, wherein the server provides current information related to an event in which the individual is participating, such as the individual’s current score, their place in the event, and their location within the physical boundary of the event.

[0023] In the case of a golf tournament example, the golfer participating in a tournament may wear, or a person near the golfer such as a caddy may wear, an RFID chip or GPS-enabled tracking device that allows the golfer and the position of the golfer to be uniquely identified among the multiple golfers in the tournament. A user utilizing the mobile application system of the present invention may launch the application, which may communicate with the server hosting the tracking information of the golfer(s). The system may display a territorial boundary of the current event, which in this case may be a map of the golf course, on the screen of the mobile device, with identifiers for each golfer relating to the GPS-transmitted location of the golfer on the golf course, and additional indicators for locations on the golf course, such as the locations of each golf hole, and the locations of one or more golf course services, such as restrooms, concession stands, seating locations, merchandise shops and the like. The user may tap on the unique identifier for the golfer to obtain any of the above noted real-time and stored user information of the golfer, such as name, current hole, score, etc.

[0024] In one embodiment, the system may be programed to use information obtained from the tracking device, any background information and real-time information relating to the individual, and any information obtained from facial recognition relating to an athlete or celebrity in combination or subcombinations, in order to display information relating to one or more of the sets of data simultaneously, or sequentially, on the display of the mobile device or to verify the information obtained by one or the other collection methods. In the case of a golf tournament example, this combination of data collected from multiple sources may enable the user to initially identify and track a golfer via GPS collected data when the golfer is too far away to be recognized by the user or to be identified with facial recognition, and then verify that information using facial recognition once the golfer is within a distance sufficient for use with the camera and facial recognition software. And the device may display background information related to the golfer, such as their world ranking, along with real-time information related to the golfer, such as their current ranking in the current golf event, current score in the golf event, their current position (i.e., hole) on the golf course, the current shot that they will attempt (i.e., distance to hole, and number of shots taken on the hole), distance of the prior shot, height or shape of the prior shot, and any other background or real-time information related to the golfer.

[0025] In another embodiment, the mobile device, through a geofencing mechanism or real-time location tracking within the mobile device, can identify when the user is near an athlete or celebrity based a comparison of the GPS coordinates associated with the mobile device with the GPS coordinates of that athlete or person. In an example where the athlete is wearing or proximate to a location tracking device, the system may notify the user when the system has identified that the user location is within a predetermined range of the athlete. In a golf example, the mobile device may display the location of the mobile device within the territorial boundary of the golf course, the relative position of the mobile device compared to the location of one or more of the

[0026] In one embodiment, the system may be programmed to enable augmented reality (AR) to be displayed on the mobile device. In this case, digital content related to the identified individual or related to the activity in which the identified individual is participating is overlayed with real-time information displayed on the screen via the camera of the mobile device. The device’s camera captures the user’s environment in real-time, while the AR software within the system analyzes this data and determines where to place digital elements within the physical space. In a golf tournament example, the user may utilize the camera of the mobile device within the system of the present invention, wherein the user directs the camera toward a location on the golf course, such as a specific green, and the system overlays information relating to the golfers currently playing on that green (obtained via facial recognition or location tracking inputs) as well as information relating to the golf course, the current tournament, nearby golf course services, or that particular green. For example, a user may direct the camera toward a particular golfer on a particular green, and the system may display the noted information related to that golfer, information related to the current tournament such as a leaderboard for the round or for the tournament, as well as information related to golf course services such as concessions, restrooms, or medical services within close proximity to that particular green.

[0027] Fig. 1 depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in the example form, of a mobile device 10 within which a computer readable medium is programmed with a set of instructions, for causing the machine to implement or otherwise perform any one or more of the techniques and methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. Mobile device 10 may, for some embodiments of the present technology, be representative of a controller means including, without limitation, controller 12.

[0028] In the example of Fig. 1, the mobile device includes a processor, memory, nonvolatile memory, and an interface device. Various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for illustrative simplicity. The mobile device 10 is intended to illustrate a hardware device on which any of the components depicted in the examples (and any other components described in this specification) can be implemented. For example, the mobile device 10 can be an onboard processor of the camera. The mobile device 10 can be of any applicable known or convenient type, and in the particular example is shown as a smart phone with a display 20. The components of the mobile device can be coupled together via a bus or through some other known or convenient device.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 1, the mobile device 10 is shown with the display 20 depicting a scene from an event according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the scene presented is at a golf hole 22, which may be one of a series of golf holes within a golf course having a territorial boundary that may be communicated to the mobile device 10 by an external server. The scene on the display 20 is a live-action image that may be live or a recording. The image on the display 20 includes an individual golfer 24 that is actively playing golf on the one of the golf holes, an indication of the golfer’s identity (i.e., the golfer’s name) 26, which may be provided by the location device or facial recognition methods identification methods disclosed above, an indication of the current golf shot 28, in this case the term “for birdie,” an indication of the golfer’s score 32, an indication of a map 34 of the golf course and the current location of the golfer 24 on the golf course, an advertisement

36, and a shot tracer indicator line showing the shot shape of one of the golfer’s golf shots 38.

[0030] The processor may be, for example, a conventional microprocessor such as an Al 7 processor, Al 7 BIONIC processor or an INTEL PENTIUM microprocessor or MOTOROLA POWER PC microprocessor. One of skill in the relevant art will recognize that the terms “machine-readable (storage) medium” or “computer-readable (storage) medium” include any type of device that is accessible by the processor. In some embodiment, these storage media are embodied in non-transitory computer-readable media that can store program instructions (e.g., as software or firmware) which, when executed by one or more processors of the disclosed technology, cause the controller means to implement, execute, or otherwise facilitate performance of the various algorithms and methods disclosed herein.

[0031] The memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a bus. The memory can include, by way of example but not limitation, random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). The memory can be local, remote, or distributed.

[0032] The bus also couples the processor to the non-volatile memory and drive unit. The non-volatile memory is often a flash memory, a magnetic floppy or hard disk, a magnetic- optical disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), such as EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic or optical card, or another form of storage for large amounts of data. Some of this data is often written, by a direct memory access process, into memory during execution of software in the mobile phone 10. The non-volatile storage can be local, remote, or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optional because systems can be created with all applicable data available in memory. A typical computer system will usually include at least a processor, memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to the processor.

[0033] Software is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or the drive unit. Indeed, for large programs, it may not even be possible to store the entire program in the memory. Nevertheless, it should be understood that for software to run, if necessary, it is moved to a computer readable location appropriate for processing, and for illustrative purposes, that location is referred to as the memory in this document. Even when software is moved to the memory for execution, the processor will typically make use of hardware registers to store values associated with the software, and local cache that, ideally, serves to speed up execution. As used herein, a software program is assumed to be stored at any known or convenient location (from non-volatile storage to hardware registers) when the software program is referred to as “implemented in a computer-readable medium”. A processor is considered to be “configured to execute a program” when at least one value associated with the program is stored in a register readable by the processor.

[0034] The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device. The interface can include one or more of a modem or network interface. It will be appreciated that a modem or network interface can be considered to be part of the mobile device. The interface can include an analog modem, ISDN modem, cable modem, token ring interface, satellite transmission interface (e.g., “direct PC”), or other interfaces for coupling a mobile device to other computer systems. The interface can include one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices. The I/O devices can include, by way of example but not limitation, touchscreen, a keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other input and/or output devices, including a display device. The display device can include, by way of example but not limitation, a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known or convenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed that controllers of any devices not depicted in the example of Fig. 1 reside in the interface.

[0035] In operation, the mobile device 10 can be controlled by operating system software that includes a file management system, such as a disk operating system. One example of operating system software with associated file management system software is the family of operating systems known as iOS from APPLE, or WINDOWS from MICROSOFT Corporation of Redmond, Washington, and their associated file management systems. Another example of operating system software with its associated file management system software is the LINUX operating system and its associated file management system. The file management system is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or drive unit and causes the processor to execute the various acts required by the operating system to input and output data and to store data in the memory, including storing files on the non-volatile memory and/or drive unit. [0036] Some portions of the detailed description may be presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

[0037] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0038] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the methods of some embodiments. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, the techniques are not described with reference to any particular programming language, and various embodiments may thus be implemented using a variety of programming languages.

[0039] In alternative embodiments, the mobile device operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other mobile devices or machines. In a networked deployment, the mobile device may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

[0040] The mobile device or machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an IPHONE, a BLACKBERRY, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[0041] While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the presently disclosed technique and innovation.

[0042] In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the disclosure, may be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programs typically comprise one or more instructions set at various times in various memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or more processing units or processors in a computer, cause the computer to perform operations to execute elements involving the various aspects of the disclosure.

[0043] Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fully functioning mobile devices, computers and computer systems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

[0044] Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or computer-readable (storage) media include but are not limited to recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links.

[0045] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, position, function and manner of operation, assembly, type of sensors/emitters (radio frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC), barcode, etc.), shape, manner, and type of play environment (golf, soccer, basketball, tennis, running etc.) and use, are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. [0046] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above detailed description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number, respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0047] The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are, at times, shown as being performed in a series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges. [0048] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide farther embodiments.

[0049] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above detailed description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0050] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-fimction claim under 35 U.S.C. §112 (f), other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus- fimction claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium (any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will begin with the words “means for”). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure. [0051] The detailed description provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily only the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention. Some alternative implementations of the invention may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. While the above description defines certain examples of the invention, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A method for displaying information on a mobile device, comprising: receiving with the mobile device an identification signal relating to the identity and the location of an individual; based on the identification signal, displaying on the user interface an icon representing the individual; providing a database containing information relating to a series of people within a category of people; communicating to the database the identification of the individual received in the identification signal; receiving, from the database, background information related to the individual; receiving, from a remote server, real-time information related to a status of the individual; and displaying, on the user interface, in combination with the icon, the background information and the real-time information.

2. The method of claim 1, including providing a GPS transponder in proximity with the individual, and wherein the receiving of the identification signal includes receiving an identification signal generated by the GPS transponder.

3. The method of claim 1 including displaying a map on the user interface, the icon positioned at a location on the map corresponding to the location of the individual.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the category of individuals includes professional golfers.

5. The method of claim 1 including providing a camera on the mobile device, capturing an image of the individual with the camera, processing the image with a facial recognition algorithm, comparing the processed image with a faceprint database, and providing a facial identification message on the user interface indicating the identity of the individual based on the captured image.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the facial identification message is displayed simultaneously with the background information and the real-time information.

7. The method of claim 6, including providing a GPS transponder on the mobile device, comparing the position of the mobile device with the location of the individual received in the identification signal, and providing an alert, via the mobile device, when the mobile device enters a predetermined radius from the individual.

8. The method of claim 7 including walking with the mobile device within a boundary of a golf course, the golf course having a number of golf holes, the mobile device providing an alert when the mobile device has entered the boundary of one of the number of golf holes, the mobile device displaying on the user interface the number of the one of the golf holes.

9. The method of claim 7 including the mobile device providing an alert, based on one or more identification signals received on the mobile device, of the identity of the one or more individuals within the boundary of the one of the golf holes upon the mobile device entering the boundary of the one of the golf holes.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein one or more golf course services selected from the list of: a restroom, a concession stand, a medical station, a seating location and a merchandise shop are positioned within a predetermined distance from the one of the golf holes, and including displaying on the user interface an icon representing the one or more golf course services upon the mobile device entering the boundary of the one of the golf holes.

11. The method of claim 10 including displaying on the user interface, an augmented reality view of the one of the golf holes, wherein a real-time view of a portion of the one of the golf holes is displayed on the user interface, and the portion of the one of the golf holes is overlayed with at least one of the golf course services, background information and real-time information.

12. The method of claim 11 also including an advertisement overlayed on the real-time view of the portion of the one of the golf holes.

13. A mobile device comprising a processor coupled to a camera, a display and memory, the memory storing computer executable instructions for: receiving an identification signal relating to the identity and the location of an individual; based on the identification signal, displaying on the display an icon representing the identified individual; communicating with a database, the database containing background information relating to a series of individuals; receiving, from the database, background information related to the identified individual; receiving, from a remote server, real-time information related to a status of the identified individual; and displaying, on the user interface, in combination with the icon, the background information and the real-time information.

14. The mobile device of claim 13 wherein the real-time information includes information related to an event in which the identified individual is participating.

15. The mobile device of claim 14 wherein the real-time information includes at least one of: a current score of the identified individual within the event, a current place of the identified individual within the event, and a characteristic of the individual’s performance with in the event.

16. The mobile device of claim 15 wherein the memory further comprises computer executable instructions for processing an image captured with the camera with a facial recognition algorithm, comparing the processed image with a faceprint database, and providing a facial identification message on the display indicating the identity of the identified individual based on the captured image.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the facial identification message is displayed simultaneously with the background information and the real-time information.

18. A computer readable medium for displaying identification information on a mobile device, comprising instructions for: tracking the location of the mobile device within a predetermined boundary of a sporting event as the mobile device is moved by a user within the predetermined boundary; receiving an identification signal relating to the identity and the location of a participant in the event as the participant moves within the predetermined boundary; receiving, from a database, background information related to the participant; receiving, from a server, real-time information related to a status of the participant in the event; and displaying, on the mobile device, the identification of the participant, the background information and the real-time information.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 18 wherein the instructions include providing an alert on the mobile device when the location of the mobile device enters a predetermined radius of the participant.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein the instructions include processing an image captured with the camera with a facial recognition algorithm, comparing the processed image with a faceprint database, and providing a facial identification message on the display indicating the identity of the participant based on the captured image.