Golf assistance device
The golf assistance device addresses limitations of existing GPS devices by using a multi-band positioning system and integrated memory to provide precise golf course maps and accurate distance measurements, enhancing golf performance through detailed course layouts and efficient battery use.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102025143479P0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-12-24
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing golf GPS devices provide limited detail and accuracy in golf course maps, are cumbersome to update, and have restricted storage capacity, often requiring manual data uploads and suffering from inaccuracies due to physical size and battery life constraints.
A golf assistance device with a multi-band positioning system using multiple frequency bands for precise location determination, integrated memory for comprehensive golf course data, and advanced sensors for real-time course features, allowing for detailed map display and accurate distance measurements without needing real-time data connections.
Enables golfers to make informed decisions with high-precision golf course maps and distance measurements, improving performance by providing detailed course layouts and accurate target distances, while being portable and efficient in battery use.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Field of invention The present invention relates to a golf assistance device, such as a golf assistance device configured to provide golf-specific mapping and / or location data for use in a game of golf. Background of the invention In golf, access to detailed golf course map information and key course reference points can be beneficial, enabling golfers to make more informed decisions regarding their game. Examples of potentially useful information include the precise distance, position, angle, and elevation of a targeted object relative to the golfer's location on the course or the location of the ball. When playing golf, a golfer uses course map information, including the location of tees, fairways, bunkers, hazards, water, rough, trees, and the green, to influence strategy, club selection, shot type, and intention toward a target, thereby improving their golf performance. Golf course maps, for example,Information on tee boxes, fairways, bunkers, hazards, water, rough, trees, greens, and reference points varies considerably from golf course to golf course. When a golfer has access to information such as images of the golf course, layout, or precise reference points, they can visualize the course, the hole, or the shot before or during play and access important reference points on the course, thus significantly increasing the likelihood of improved golf performance. Previously, physical maps made of paper or cardboard, as well as scorecards, were used to provide golfers with certain map information. However, these solutions are limited by the constraints of physical space, considering what a golfer can carry in a pocket or golf bag. Furthermore, static, paper-based information often contains inaccuracies, such as in determining the exact location of the golfer or the ball in relation to the map, and in accurately measuring distances, orientations, and elevations. It is also limited in the quantity and relevance of the information provided. Additionally, using static information sources like maps and scorecards is often time-consuming, cumbersome, and can distract the golfer from their round. Information on paper, such as flagstick positions, teeing ground locations, and the like, can also become outdated. The use of global positioning technology and other technologies on the course to assist or benefit the golfer is well-established. Global positioning systems (GPS systems) for golf are available in numerous golf-specific devices, such as handheld, cart-mounted, and wearable devices. Common devices include an integrated circuit for a GPS system and an antenna that provides location data services, and a microcontroller or microprocessor to monitor the device's status and host embedded software. These components, in combination, provide pre-programmed functions or solutions that enhance golf performance.These devices could include an integrated memory circuit for hosting and processing golf course data reference points, an accelerometer for detecting rotation or movement of the device, a liquid crystal or other display that provides the golfer or user with golf course reference points and golf course information both during a round of golf and off the golf course, and either buttons or touchscreen technology that allows the golfer to enter data or control functions of the device. Despite a general improvement over paper-based methods, commercially available devices have limited functionality due to their physical size and the available storage space in their integrated memory circuitry. This limits the number of golf course maps that can be uploaded to the device and the specific number of reference points that provide map details such as tee boxes, fairways, bunkers, hazards, water, trees, greens, out-of-bounds areas, flagstick positions, elevation, contour data, and other relevant golf data such as course name, images, video, scorecard, par, hole distance, stroke index, designer, contact information, and course overview. This information is valuable to golfers and, when used, can help them make better decisions during play and ultimately improve their golfing performance. The basic electronic GPS devices used in golf provide only limited detail and information regarding golf course maps and the distance between the golfer and the target. It is desirable for a golfer to have access to more comprehensive golf map information that provides a higher level of detail for a large number or even all golf courses worldwide. This additional functionality would allow golfers to improve their performance. Current golf GPS devices offer only a limited level of map information and a limited number of courses stored on the device. The GPS units integrated into such devices all provide the distance between the target and the golfer's or golf ball's location with an accuracy of between 1 and 10 meters.This data is supplied and provided by GPS satellites, which are used by all commercially available GPS systems or devices for golf as well as for other uses besides golf, such as the automotive industry, sports, healthcare, or asset tracking. Historically, this accuracy, in the range of 1 to 10 meters, provided golfers with GPS devices that offered a reasonable degree of accuracy in terms of distance to the intended target and level of detail regarding golf course maps. Until now, common golf GPS systems displayed golf course map information from a bird's-eye view, similar to a physical paper map or an LCD display integrated into the electronic device. Golf map data and information are typically collected manually, with a person visiting the physical golf course and walking the course to map details and information for each hole. Manually mapping a golf course using this method requires the mapper to be physically present on the course. The activity of manually collecting golf course information has the potential to result in human error and inaccuracies during the data collection process.Because the physical size of the integrated memory of an electronic device specifically designed for golf is limited, a golfer may need to manually upload and download golf maps from a cloud storage location, the internet, or a website to efficiently utilize the device's allocated memory. The process of uploading or downloading golf course maps to an electronic device is undesirable for the golfer. For example, golf courses may be remote with poor cell phone reception, or data connections may be slow, expensive, or unreliable, and satellite positioning applications may have significant power requirements, which can be problematic for portable, battery-powered devices. Therefore, it would be preferable if an electronic golf device came pre-programmed with a large number or all golf courses on the first day after purchase. With general technological advancements, golfers expect improved accuracy in global positioning, greater detail in golf course maps, and enhanced functionality from all electronic devices. There is a need to help golfers view the course layout—including tees, fairways, bunkers, hazards, water, trees, greens, and flagsticks—in greater detail and obtain more accurate distances between the intended target and the golfer or ball. However, the size, weight, and battery life of these devices are important considerations, and meeting all these conflicting requirements can present a significant engineering challenge.The combination of more detailed information and the golf course layout, coupled with greater accuracy in determining the distance to the target, helps golfers make better decisions regarding strategy, club selection, shot type, and intention, thus potentially improving their golf performance. However, the device must still be portable, compact, and lightweight, with sufficient battery life to allow for easy transport around the golf course and minimize inconvenience. Summary Various aspects of the present invention are defined in the independent claims. Some preferred features are defined in the dependent claims. According to a first example in the present disclosure, a golf assistance device comprises: a positioning system for determining the location of the golf assistance device or any other location derived therefrom; an internal memory for storing spatial golf course information for a plurality of golf courses; and a processing circuit for determining and providing golf data from one or both of: the location of the golf assistance device or any other location derived therefrom from the positioning system, and the spatial golf course information of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses stored in the internal memory;wherein the positioning system is a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands to determine the location of the golf assist device or the other location derived therefrom; The golf data includes one or more of: distance, course, location, elevation and / or elevation change from the location of the golf assistance device or the derived other location to a user-selected location on a golf course from the multitude of golf courses and / or at least one golf course feature of a golf course from the multitude of golf courses. The positioning system can be configured to operate with at least one frequency band from the upper L-band. The positioning system can be configured to operate with at least one frequency band from the lower L-band. For example, the positioning system can be configured to operate with at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and at least one frequency band from the lower L-band. The upper L-band can extend from 1544 MHz to 1610 MHz. The upper L-band can include frequency bands E1, L1, and G1. The E1 frequency band can extend from 1559 MHz to 1591 MHz. The L1 frequency band can extend from 1563 MHz to 1587 MHz. The G1 band can extend from 1593 MHz to 1610 MHz. The lower L-band can extend from 1164 MHz to 1300 MHz. The lower L-band can include frequency bands L2, L5, G2, G3, E5, E5a, E5b, and E6. The L2 frequency band can extend from 1215 MHz to 1239.6 MHz, the L5 frequency band from 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz. The G2 frequency band can extend from 1237 MHz to 1254 MHz, and the G3 frequency band from 1189 MHz to 1214 MHz.The E5 frequency band can extend from 1164 MHz to 1214 MHz, the E5a frequency band can extend from 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz, the E5b frequency band can extend from 1189 MHz to 1214 MHz, and the E6 frequency band can extend from 1260 MHz to 1300 MHz. The positioning system can be configured to operate using at least one frequency band selected from one or more of the following: L1, E1, and / or G1 frequency bands, and / or at least one frequency band selected from at least one of the following: L2, L5, G2, G3, E5, E5a, E5b, and / or E6 frequency bands. The positioning system can also be configured to operate using at least one frequency band from at least one of the following: the L1, E1, and / or G1 bands; and at least one frequency band from at least one of the following: the L5 and / or E5 bands. The positioning system can be configured to repeatedly switch between measurements in different frequency bands of at least two frequency bands during operation. The positioning system can be configured to continuously, periodically, and / or automatically switch between measurements in different frequency bands of at least two frequency bands during operation. Switching between the different frequency bands can be performed in the nanosecond range; that is, the positioning system can be configured to receive signals in a specific frequency band for a time in the nanosecond range (e.g., 1 ns to 999 ns, which can be further limited to a period in the range of 1 ns to 99 ns or 1 ns to 9.9 ns).In some examples, switching may involve switching between the L1 band and the L5 band, or between at least one of the following: the L1, E1, and / or G1 bands, and at least one of the following: the L5 and / or E5 bands, with switching occurring on a nanosecond scale. In some examples, switching may involve switching between at least one frequency band in the upper L-band and at least one frequency band in the lower L-band. That is, the positioning system may be configured to repeatedly switch between measurements in at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and measurements in at least one frequency band from the lower L-band during use, with switching optionally occurring on a nanosecond scale. The positioning system can be configured to determine the location of the golf assist device or any derived location with an accuracy of 0.5 m to 1 m or less; and / or the geospatial golf course information includes data with an accuracy of 0.5 m to 1 m or less. The positioning system can be configured to determine the latitude and longitude of the location of the golf assist device or any derived location such that the location resolution is 1 m or less, but optionally greater than 0.5 m. The golf assistance device may include a display configured to show a representation of at least a portion of the golf course and the location of the golf assistance device, or its derived location, relative to at least that portion of the golf course. The representation may be a map view of the golf course, such as an overhead or top-down view. The map view may be configured to include golf course features, such as greens, tees, fairways, rough, bunkers, water, and other hazards, and may optionally highlight and / or allow selection of these features. The display may be a touchscreen display configured to receive user input. User input may include the selection of a location or golf course feature that can be selected from the map view.The representation of at least part of the golf course can be done entirely using data stored in the device's internal memory, i.e., without data being retrieved in real time or using a server or otherwise via a wireless or wired network or other communication link during the location determination process. Spatial golf course information can include information about the golf course layout. Spatial golf course information can include latitude and longitude information for a multitude of points or cells on the multitude of golf courses. Spatial golf course information can include elevation data for the multitude of points or cells on the multitude of golf courses. Spatial golf course information can include descriptions for at least some or all of the points or cells that describe golf course features represented by the points or cells. The descriptions can include at least one or all of the following: tee, fairway, green, one or more categories of rough, water, bunker, flagstick, difficulty, trees, other hazards, and / or the like. The internal memory can be configured to store at least 1.To store 800 latitude and longitude golf map data reference points or cells for each hole of all the numerous golf courses, and optionally the descriptions associated with these points or cells. The numerous golf courses can comprise over 40,000 courses, and / or the golf map data reference points or cells can represent over 600,000 golf holes, and the internal memory can be sufficiently sized to store the spatial golf course information for this number of courses and / or holes. The golf courses and holes could be located in different countries around the world. Information regarding the golf course layout may include the location, boundaries, and / or extent of at least one golf course. Golf course features may include at least one, some, or each of the following: teeing grounds; fairways; rough and / or various categories of rough; bunkers; hazards; water; trees; greens; each course; out-of-bounds for each course; and / or flagsticks. The golf assistance device can be configured to determine and provide to a user at least one or more of the following: distance, aspect, elevation, and / or elevation change of at least one golf course feature relative to the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom, which is provided or can be provided on the display of the golf assistance device. The at least one golf course feature for which at least one or more of the following are provided: distance, aspect, elevation, and / or elevation change, can be a selected golf course feature that can be selected, for example, by user input, such as via the touchscreen display, or by other means. The at least one golf course feature for which at least one or more of the following are provided: distance, aspect, elevation, and / or elevation change, can be automatically, for example,By default, a selection can be made based on the current location of the golf assistance device or on another location derived from it. For example, the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived from it can be determined on a specific hole of a golf course, and at least one golf course feature can be selected to be at least one golf course feature of that specific hole for that golf course, such as a flagstick position, a teeing ground position, or the like for that golf hole. When the golf course feature is selected, the golf information can optionally be provided relative to (or for) a reference point corresponding to the selected golf course feature that is closest to the location of the golf assistance device; or to a reference point that is closest to a midpoint of the selected golf course feature; a center point of the golf course feature; an average of all the reference points corresponding to this selected golf course feature; a geographic center point of the golf course feature; or the like. The golf assistance device may include an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, which can be configured to detect movement of the golf assistance device or the user (e.g., golfer) while using the golf assistance device. The accelerometer and / or gyroscope can be configured to detect movement associated with playing golf, such as the user (e.g., golfer) moving between shots, pausing at a location to make a shot, movement associated with a golf swing or practice swing, and / or the like. The golf assistance device can be configured to determine that the user's golf ball's location corresponds to a location on a golf hole where the user (e.g., golfer) has paused, for example.has paused for at least a preset or specified threshold time period, or for a duration encompassed within a preset or specified time window. The location of the golf assistance device and / or accelerometer or gyroscope may be operational to determine when the user paused. The threshold time period or time window may be set by the user, provided as a factory setting, or learned by the golf assistance device based on historical durations of pauses taken by that user during a swing during a round of golf. The threshold time period or time window may be user-specific. Data from the accelerometer and / or gyroscope may be used to predict future actions, the location, and / or movement of the user or the golf assistance device. The golf assistance device may include at least one monitoring device. One or more of the monitoring devices may be configured to monitor the golf ball, the golf club, and / or the golfer, e.g., to monitor the golfer's swing and / or the flight, distance, and / or direction of the golf ball. At least one of the monitoring devices may be configured to determine a speed of the golf ball, which may be or include the impact speed of the golf ball. At least one of the monitoring devices may be or include an active wave rangefinder, which may include a radar device, such as a Doppler radar. The active wave rangefinder may be a device configured to emit a wave and receive reflections of the wave to determine a distance to a reflecting object, for example, using Doppler shift, time-of-flight measurement, or another suitable technique. At least one of the monitoring devices may be configured to determine at least one or each of the following: the flight, distance, and / or direction of the golf ball.The determined flight, distance and / or direction of the golf ball may be relative to a location of the golf assistance device as determined using the positioning system. At least one of the monitoring devices may be or include a camera, which may be an integrated camera incorporated into the golf assistance device. The camera may be configured to monitor at least part or all of the golfer as they swing the club. The camera may be configured to monitor the golf club, for example, while it is being swung by the golfer and / or while it is being used to strike the golf ball. The camera may be configured to monitor the flight and / or direction of the golf ball. Monitoring the golf club may be linked to a location of the golf assistance device, as determined using the positioning system, for example, so that a golf club swing or golf ball strike can be recorded and / or analyzed at any location on the golf course. The golf assistance device can be configured to store location data of the golf assistance device, e.g., current location data, for example, in internal memory or in a temporary buffer. The golf assistance device may include, or be configured to implement, a motion predictor to predict future actions, locations, goals, and / or movements of the golf assistance device or the user (e.g., golfer). The predictor may be configured to predict future actions, locations, goals, and / or movements of the golf assistance device or the user based on a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or a derived location, and / or one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or derived locations, and / or the output of the accelerometer and / or gyroscope.The predictor can be configured to predict future actions, locations, and / or movements of the golf assistance device or the user based on historical or typical behavior of the user or golfer and / or other golfers, or a weighted or other combination thereof. The predictor could forecast future actions, locations, and / or movements of the golf assistance device or the user at the currently determined location based on an analysis or functions of actions by other golfers and / or the user from locations corresponding to or within a certain distance of the currently determined location.The predictor can be configured to modify predictions of future actions, locations, and / or movements of the golf assist device or the user, based on the historical behavior of other golfers, or to otherwise consider the current user's historical behavior when predicting future user or golfer behavior. Therefore, the predictor can be configured to output predictions tailored to, or otherwise incorporating, the current user's historical behavior. The predictor can include, or be configured to implement, a machine learning model, appropriately trained on manually or otherwise labeled training data. The predictor can include, or be configured to implement, one or more algorithms.The predictor, e.g., the machine learning model or its algorithm, can be configured to receive at least one or more of the following as inputs: the currently determined location of the golf assist device or the derived location, and / or one or more previously determined locations of the golf assist device or the derived locations, and / or the accelerometer and / or gyroscope output. The predictor, e.g., the machine learning model or its algorithm, can be configured to predict future actions, locations, and / or movements of the golf assist device or the user based on the inputs. The location of the golf assist device, or any other derived location, may be derived, at least in part, from previous predictions of the movement or location of the golf assist device or the user by the predictor. For example, a prediction of the movement of the golf assist device or the user from a previous location may be used to obtain a rough estimate of a future or current location, which can be refined using the positioning system, or vice versa. In this way, a current location of the user can be determined more accurately, particularly if the signals from the satellite positioning system are temporarily disrupted or impaired, and the time required to establish a current location of the golf assist device or the user can be reduced. The alternative location derived from the location of the golf assistance device can include one or both of the following: the user's location and / or the user's golf ball's location. The user's golf ball's location can be determined by establishing when the user and / or the golf assistance device is stationary at a golf hole for at least the set, preset, or specified threshold duration, or remains stationary for a duration encompassed by the preset or specified time window. The user's location can be the same as the golf assistance device's location, or be in a predefined relationship to the golf assistance device (e.g., with a predefined vector from the golf assistance device), or be in a calculated relationship to the golf assistance device, e.g.,...based on wireless signal strength between the golf assistance device and a device worn or carried by the user, such as a smartwatch, smartphone or other smart device. The golf assistance device can be configured to automatically and selectively temporarily disable or reduce the functionality of one or more of the golf assistance device's circuits as a result of at least one of the following: a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom; one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or the other locations derived therefrom; the prediction of future movement or location of the golf assistance device or the user by the predictor; and / or the output of the accelerometer and / or gyroscope.For example, if it is determined that the location of the golf assistance device is linked to a location and / or movement of the golf assistance device or the user that indicates a user is unlikely to need to use the device again, which could correspond to pre-loaded, set, or pre-set conditions or logic, then the device could be switched off. For example, the golf assistance device may be configured to automatically and selectively shut down temporarily or temporarily reduce the functionality of one or more of its circuits, at least in part, in response to the detection of a specific movement, such as using the accelerometer or gyroscope, which may be coupled with the detection of a particular location or movement of the golf assistance device or the user on the golf course. The one or more circuits of the golf assistance device that are automatically and selectively temporarily switched off or whose functionality is reduced may include at least one of the following: the positioning system, the internal memory, the processing circuit, the display, a wireless communication system, the gyroscope and / or the accelerometer. The golf assistance device can be a single unit. Two or more, or all of the following components can be provided within a common housing: the positioning system, the internal memory, the processing circuitry, the display, a wireless communication system, the gyroscope, and / or the accelerometer. Two or more, or all of the following components can be coupled together to form a single unit: the positioning system, the internal memory, the processing circuitry, the display, a wireless communication system, the gyroscope, and / or the accelerometer. The internal memory can be configured to store at least a portion of the spatial golf course information in raster format and / or as a grid of cells or points. The internal memory can also be configured to store at least a portion of the spatial golf course information in compressed form. The golf assistance device can include a compression and decompression module to selectively compress and decompress at least this portion of the spatial golf course information. This compression and decompression module can be configured to implement a compression algorithm and a decompression algorithm to selectively compress and decompress at least a portion of the spatial golf course information.This means that the compression of the spatial golf course information for storage in internal memory and the decompression of the spatial golf course information for use by the golf assistance device's processor can be performed directly in the golf assistance device instead of externally on a server. The internal memory can be configured to store at least some of the geospatial golf course information in an encrypted format. The golf assistance device can be configured to selectively unencrypt and / or re-encrypt at least some of the geospatial golf course information. The golf assistance device can be configured to selectively decompress and / or re-compress at least some of the geospatial golf course information. The golf assistance device can be configured to selectively unencrypt and decompress at least some of the geospatial golf course information simultaneously, for example, as a single operation. The golf assistance device can be configured to selectively re-encrypt and re-compress at least some of the geospatial golf course information simultaneously, for example, as a single operation.This means the golf assistance device can be configured to unencrypt and / or decompress at least a portion of the spatial golf course information when needed or predicted to be needed, and to re-encrypt and / or re-compress at least that portion of the spatial golf course information when it is no longer needed. The golf assistance device can also be configured to automatically unencrypt and / or decompress and re-encrypt and / or re-compress at least that portion of the spatial golf course information, for example, depending on whether it is determined or predicted that it will be needed or no longer needed. Optionally, the golf assistance device can be configured to determine or predict whether at least part of the spatial golf course information is required (e.g., to unencrypt and / or decompress and re-encrypt and / or re-compress at least part of the spatial golf course information), at least in part as a result of at least one of the following: a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or another location derived therefrom; one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or other locations derived therefrom; the prediction of future movement or location of the golf assistance device or user by the predictor; and / or the output of the accelerometer and / or gyroscope. For example, the golf assistance system may be configured to determine or predict whether at least part of the spatial golf course information is required (e.g., to unencrypt and / or decompress and re-encrypt and / or re-compress at least part of the spatial golf course information), depending on a golf hole, part of a golf hole and / or a golf course where the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom is located. For example, the golf assistance device can be configured to determine that it is located on a specific golf course and selectively decompress and / or unencrypt at least some or all of the spatial golf course information for that specific golf course. For example, the golf assistance device can be configured to determine that it is located on a specific hole of a specific golf course and selectively decompress and / or unencrypt at least some or all of the spatial golf course information for that specific golf hole and / or for one or more subsequent golf holes.The golf assistance device can be configured to determine that it is located on a specific part of a specific hole of a specific golf course and selectively decompress and / or unencrypt at least some or all of the spatial golf course information for that specific golf hole and / or for one or more subsequent golf holes. For example, the golf assistance device can be configured to determine whether it is on a specific teeing ground of a particular golf hole, or within a certain threshold of it. The golf assistance device can also be configured to selectively decompress and / or unencrypt the spatial golf course information for the golf hole encompassing the respective teeing ground, for example, as a result of or depending on the golf assistance device determining that it is on a particular teeing ground, or within a certain threshold of it. In another example, the golf assistance device can be configured to determine whether it is on a specific green of a particular golf hole or within a certain threshold of it. The golf assistance device can also be configured to selectively decompress and / or unencrypt the spatial golf course information for one or more golf holes located beyond the hole encompassing the respective tee shot, for example, as a result of or depending on the golf assistance device determining that it is on a specific green or within a certain threshold of it. The golf assistance device can be configured to automatically re-encode and / or re-compress at least the portion of the spatial golf course information. For example, the spatial golf course information for a particular hole of a golf course can be automatically re-encoded and / or re-compressed if the golf assistance device was on the green of that particular hole or within its threshold and is no longer on the green or within its threshold, or if it is on the teeing ground of the next hole or within its threshold; or if it was on that particular hole and is no longer on that particular hole or is now on the next hole. In this way, the golf assistance device only unencrypts and / or decompresses at least the portion of the geospatial golf course information it needs when it needs it, and re-encrypts and / or re-compresses at least the portion of the geospatial golf course information as soon as it is no longer needed. This can allow for more efficient handling of geospatial golf course information in the device's memory. This can allow for more secure handling of geospatial golf course information, which may contain valuable intellectual property. The golf assistance device can be configured to receive user input. This user input can include at least one selection of a golf course feature. The golf assistance device can be configured to determine and provide at least one or all of the following: the distance, aspect, elevation, and / or elevation change of the selected golf course feature relative to the location of the golf assistance device or another location derived from it. The user input can be provided via the golf assistance device's touchscreen display, for example, by selecting at least one golf course feature on a map displayed on the golf assistance device's screen. The golf assist device may include a magnet, such as a magnetic mount for attaching the golf assist device to a metallic structure like a golf cart or buggy, a golf bag with metallic parts, a portable metallic object like a belt buckle or receptacle, a holster, or other carrying device made of metal and configured for carrying the golf assist device. The receptacle, holster, or other carrying device may be configured to be worn on a belt or otherwise attached to clothing, a golf bag, or a golf cart. According to a second example in the present disclosure, this is a method for assisting a golf game. The method comprises determining, using a positioning system of a golf assistance device, the location of the golf assistance device or another location derived therefrom. The method comprises accessing spatial golf course information from the internal memory of the golf assistance system for a plurality of golf courses. The method comprises, using processing circuitry of the golf assistance device, determining and providing golf data from one or both of the following: the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom from the positioning system, and the spatial golf course information of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses stored in the internal memory. The positioning system can be a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands. Determining the location of the golf assistance device, or any other location derived therefrom, can be based, at least in part, on wireless signals in at least two frequency bands. The method may include using the golf assist device of the first example to perform at least one or all of the preceding method. The golf assist device may be the golf assist device of the first example of the present disclosure. The method may include using the golf assist device from the first example to implement, utilize, or execute any feature of the golf assist device of the first example. According to a third example in the present disclosure, the product is a computer-readable program with computer-readable instructions configured such that, when implemented on a golf assistance device comprising a processing circuit, internal memory, and a multi-band positioning system receiving and using wireless signals in at least two frequency bands, it causes the golf assistance device to: determine, using the positioning system of a golf assistance device, a location of the golf assistance device or another location derived therefrom using the received wireless signals in the at least two frequency bands; access, from the internal memory of the golf assistance system, spatially referenced golf course information for at least a portion of a golf course;and processing, using the processing circuit of the golf assistance device, at least the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived from the positioning system in relation to at least the golf course layout information describing a layout of one golf course of the multitude of golf courses. The internal memory can store spatial golf course information for a wide variety of golf courses. The computer-readable program product can be configured so that, when implemented on the golf assist device, it causes the golf assist device to perform the procedure of the second example. The golf assist device can be the golf assist device of the first example. The computer-readable program product can be embodied on a tangible, non-volatile, computer-readable medium. The computer-readable program product can be configured so that, when implemented on the golf assist device, it causes the golf assist device of the first example to implement, use, or execute any feature of the golf assist device of the first example. The instructions may be provided on one or more media. For example, there may be one or more non-volatile memories, such as an EEPROM (e.g., flash memory), a disk, a CD or DVD-ROM, programmed memories such as read-only memory (e.g., for firmware), one or more volatile memories (e.g., RAM), and / or one or more data carriers, such as an optical or electrical signal carrier. The memory(s) may be integrated into a corresponding processing chip and / or separate from the chip. Code (and / or data) to implement embodiments of the present disclosure may include source, object, or executable code in a conventional programming language (interpreted or compiled) such as C or assembly code, code for setting up or controlling an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) or FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or code for a hardware description language. The carrier medium can be a single physical carrier medium or distributed across a multitude of different physical carrier media, which may be located close to or far from one another. The process can be performed on a single device or distributed across multiple devices, where at least one or all of them may be located either close to or far from one another. According to a third example of the present disclosure, this is a method for manufacturing the golf assistance device of the first example, the method comprising: providing a positioning system for determining a location of the golf assistance device or any other location derived therefrom, wherein the positioning system is a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands to determine the location of the golf assistance device or any other location derived therefrom; providing an internal memory for storing spatial golf course information for a plurality of golf courses;Providing processing circuitry for determining and providing golf data for one or both of the following: the location of the golf assist device or the other location derived from the positioning system and spatial golf course information of a golf course from the multitude of golf courses stored in the internal memory; and assembling such that at least the positioning system, the internal memory, and the processing circuitry are provided together in the golf assist device of the first example. According to further aspects of the present disclosure, it is a system, device, and / or computer program product configured to implement the method of the second example. According to further aspects of the present disclosure, it is a method for using the golf assist device of the first example, for example, to utilize any feature described above in relation to the first example. According to further aspects of the present disclosure, it is a method for manufacturing, which may include repairing or fabricating, the golf assist device of the first example. The individual features and / or combinations of features defined above with respect to any aspect of the present invention or below with respect to any specific embodiment of the invention may be used either separately and individually, alone or in combination with any other defined feature in any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to cover devices configured to perform each feature described herein in relation to a method and / or a method for using or manufacturing any device feature described herein. These and other aspects will become apparent from the embodiments described below. The scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited by this summary or by implementations that necessarily address some or all of the aforementioned disadvantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments can be implemented, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of a golf assistance device; Fig. 2 is a rear view of the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective rear view of the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a perspective front view of the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an antenna for a satellite positioning system of the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the antenna of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a functional diagram of the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a view of golf data on the golf assistance device of Fig. 1.Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 11 shows another view of golf data on the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 12 shows a schematic overview of spatial golf course information for a golf hole for the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 13 shows a schematic overview of spatial golf course information for a fairway of a golf hole for the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 14 shows a schematic overview of spatial golf course information for golf features on a golf hole for the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 15 shows a schematic overview of golf data in the form of golf green outlines for a golf hole displayed on the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig. 16 shows a schematic overview of golf data for an approach golf shot displayed on the golf assistance device of Fig. 1; Fig.Figure 17 shows a schematic overview of a selection of a feature on a golf course using the golf assistance device of Figure 1; Figure 18 shows a flowchart representation of an operation of the golf assistance device of Figure 1; and Figure 19 shows a flowchart representation of an operation of the golf assistance device of Figure 1 when accessing spatial golf course information. Detailed description of the drawings The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this description and illustrate specific embodiments in which the subject matter of the invention can be applied. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement them, and it is understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural, logical, and electrical modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Such embodiments of the subject matter of the invention may be referred to individually and / or collectively herein by the term "invention" for the sake of simplicity and without any intention of limiting the scope of this application to a single invention or concept where, in fact, more than one concept is disclosed. The following description is therefore not to be understood as restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents. In the following embodiments, identical components are identified with the same reference numerals. In the following embodiments, the term data storage or storage shall encompass any computer-readable storage medium and / or device (or collection of data storage media and / or devices). Examples of data storage include, but are not limited to, optical disks (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), magnetic disks (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), memory circuits (e.g., EEPROM, solid-state drives, random-access memory (RAM), etc.), and / or the like. The functions or algorithms described herein are implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both in one or more embodiments. The software comprises computer-executable instructions stored on computer-readable media such as memory or other types of data storage devices. Furthermore, the described functions may correspond to modules, which can be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Several functions may be implemented in one or more modules, as required; and the described embodiments are merely examples. The software is executed on a digital signal processor, ASIC, microprocessor, microcontroller, or other type of processor. Specific embodiments are described below in relation to the drawings. Figures 1, 2, 3 to 4 show a golf assistance device 5. The golf assistance device 5 includes a touchscreen 10 for displaying golf data and receiving user input. The golf assistance device includes a housing 15, such as a plastic or metal enclosure, to which the display is attached, so that the golf assistance device is a single, unified device that is portable and can be carried by a user (golfer) or on a golf bag or cart. The golf data that can be determined by the golf assistance device 5 and displayed on the screen can include maps, plans, topography, outlines, elevation, or other views of golf courses showing course features such as tees, bunkers, fairways, one or more rough levels, greens, tee boxes, flagstick positions, fairways, water features, trees, and other hazards.Golf course features can be highlighted and selected, as can positions on the golf course displayed on the golf course maps shown on screen 10. Other examples of golf data include the location of the Golf Assistance Device 5, the golfer (user), and / or the golfer's ball on a golf course. Further examples of golf data include the elevation of the Golf Assistance Device 5, the golfer (user), and / or the golfer's ball, the elevation of golf course features, or other selectable points on the golf course, such as the flagstick, bunkers, green edges, etc., differences in elevation between the location of the golf assistance device 5 and the golf course features or other selectable points on the golf course, distances from the golf assistance device 5 to the golf course features or other selectable points on the golf course, direction or course from the golf assistance device 5 to the golf course features or other selectable points on the golf course and / or the like. Figures 5 and 6 show exploded and cross-sectional views of the golf assistance device 5 shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 to 4, so that the internal components of the golf assistance device 5 are visible. These figures show the display 10, a display seal 20 for sealing between the display 10 and the housing 15, a circuit board 20, a battery 22, a satellite positioning system antenna 30, and a terminal seal 35 for sealing all connections 40 of the golf assistance device 5. The printed circuit board 20, battery 22, and satellite positioning system antenna 30 are located in the housing 15, which is sealed by the display 10 and display gasket 20. The printed circuit board 20 is optionally provided with power and / or data connections for receiving charging current and / or uploading and / or downloading data, as known in the art, which are sealed by the connection gasket 35. The printed circuit board 20 includes a processor 45, for example, a microcontroller, a central processing unit (CPU), or an alternative processing arrangement such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another programmable logic device. The printed circuit board 20 also includes the internal memory 50, which is sized and configured to store spatial information for a large number of golf courses, such as several thousand, e.g., tens of thousands of golf courses. In examples, the internal memory is in the form of an embedded multimedia storage circuit. The internal memory is specifically sized and configured to store all latitude, longitude, elevation, and descriptive data for all golf courses in a compressed raster format. The spatial information for a large number of golf courses is stored at a high resolution of over 750, e.g., over 1000, and preferably over 1500 latitude and longitude points per golf hole. The circuit board 20 also includes a satellite positioning processor 55, which processes wireless satellite positioning signals in at least two frequency bands to determine the location of the golf assist device or any other location derived therefrom. That is, the location of the golf assist device is determined at least partially using multi-band satellite positioning. The satellite positioning processor 55 is communicatively coupled to the antenna 30 to receive electrical signals indicating the wireless satellite positioning signals received by the antenna 30. The antenna 30 is fixed to one end of the circuit board 20 at the top of the golf assist device 5. Antenna 30 is a multi-band antenna, similar to a dual-band antenna. Antenna 30 is configured to receive wireless satellite positioning signals from constellations of positioning satellites in at least two frequency bands to determine the location of the golf assistance device or other derived locations. In specific examples, the antenna is configured to operate using at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and at least one frequency band from the lower L-band. The upper L-band extends from 1544 MHz to 1610 MHz and includes the E1, L1, and G1 frequency bands. The E1 frequency band extends from 1559 MHz to 1591 MHz, the L1 frequency band extends from 1563 MHz to 1587 MHz, and the G1 band extends from 1593 MHz to 1610 MHz. The lower L-band extends from 1164 MHz to 1300 MHz and includes the frequency bands L2, L5, G2, G3, E5, E5a, E5b and E6.The L2 frequency band extends from 1215 MHz to 1239.6 MHz, the L5 frequency band from 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz, the G2 frequency band from 1237 MHz to 1254 MHz, and the G3 frequency band from 1189 MHz to 1214 MHz. The E5 frequency band extends from 1164 MHz to 1214 MHz, the E5a frequency band from 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz, the E5b frequency band from 1189 MHz to 1214 MHz, and the E6 frequency band from 1260 MHz to 1300 MHz. In some specific examples, the antenna 30 and the satellite positioning processor 55 are configured to operate using at least one frequency band from at least one of the following: L1, E1 and / or G1 band; and at least one frequency band from at least one of the following: L5 and / or E5 bands. The Satellite Positioning Processor 55 can be configured to repeatedly switch between measurements in different frequency bands of at least two frequency bands during operation. Switching between the different frequency bands is performed in the nanosecond range. In some examples, the switching involves switching between at least one frequency band in the upper L-band and at least one frequency band in the lower L-band. More specifically, the switching could involve switching between at least one of the following: L1, E1, and / or G1 bands and at least one of the following: L5 and / or E5 bands, e.g., switching between bands L1 and L5, or switching between bands E1 and E5, or the like. In this way, the satellite positioning processor 55 can determine the location (e.g. latitude and longitude) of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom with a high accuracy (i.e. the absolute value of the error) of 0.5 m to less than 1 m. In some examples, the processor 45 can implement a predictor, optionally a machine learning or other AI model that has been appropriately trained or otherwise configured to predict the golfer's (user's) future movement by receiving the current and past locations of the golf assist device and / or data from the accelerometer and / or gyroscope as inputs. The golfer's future movement, as determined by the predictor, can optionally be used to further improve the speed and / or accuracy of location determination by the satellite positioning processor 55 using satellite positioning, for example, by narrowing down the possible locations, and / or can be used to provide faster location acquisition. The circuit board 25 also includes a power control unit (65 in Fig. 9) configured to control power to and from the battery 22. The power control unit 65 and / or the processor 45 are configured to implement a selective shutdown / reduced power-saving mode scheme, whereby certain components are selectively and temporarily switched off or placed into a power-saving mode, e.g., as a result of a motion profile of the accelerometer or gyroscope, or the specific location of the golf assist device. For example, if the motion profile of the accelerometer or gyroscope corresponds to a stowed or unused profile, the device can be placed into a power-saving mode.Similarly, if the location of the golf assist device 5 corresponds to one or more predefined or preset locations associated with a low probability of use, it may be placed in power-saving mode. Power-saving mode can be overridden by user actions, such as touching the screen 10, pressing a button, lifting the golf assist device 5, or performing any other predefined action with the golf assist device, or the like. The accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone and / or other sensors 70 can also be provided on the circuit board 25. The circuit board 25 is located inside the housing 15, between the screen 10 and the housing 15. Fig. 9 schematically shows the internal configuration of the golf assist device 5. The processor 45 (in this example in the form of a microcontroller) is configured to receive data about the location of the golf assist device 5 from the satellite positioning processor 55, which in this case is a global positioning system (GPS) processor. The data is dual-band or other multi-band satellite positioning data. The data indicating the location of the golf assist device 5 can be received by the processor 45 directly from the satellite positioning processor 55 or indirectly via a buffer 60. The satellite positioning processor 55 receives signals indicating wireless multi-band satellite positioning signals and uses them to determine the location of the golf assist device 5, as described above, for example, using triangulation techniques and optionally also the predictor output.Power and data can be supplied via the input / output port 40 and processed and controlled by the power control unit 65 to enable the reading of data such as golf statistics (e.g., number of strokes made on a particular hole, swing profile, shot distances, and / or the like) and golf data determined by the processor 45, the reading of data such as additional or updated georeferenced golf course information, and the charging of the battery 22. For example, the golf data and golf statistics for a round of golf can be read and recorded via port 40 or using wireless communication to another device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or other smart device, allowing the golfer to view and compare their statistics and golf data for the round, replay the round on a map (e.g., using tracking data), or similar functions.The Golf Assistance Device 5 is configured to automatically or manually record, analyze, document, and store golf statistical performance data and / or information relating to a golf game or measurable performance of a golfer. This may include, for example, tracking data of the golfer's movement on the golf course, ball positions (determined, for example, using the accelerometer or gyroscope, the microphone, and / or pause locations, as described elsewhere), strokes on each hole, current weather conditions, or similar information. This statistical golf performance data and / or information can be uploaded / downloaded for storage, comparison, playback, and the like. The processor 45 is connected to the internal memory 50, which includes an embedded multimedia storage circuit to enable the retrieval of spatial golf course information and the storage of values of golf data and other parameters determined by the processor 45. The Processor 45 is also communicatively coupled with the Screen 10 to display maps of the golf holes and golf data and other parameters determined by the Processor 45, and to receive user input via the touchscreen. The golf assistance device 5 also includes additional sensors 70, such as an accelerometer (e.g., a 3-axis accelerometer) and / or a gyroscope. The additional sensors 70 could also include a microphone, for example, to receive the sounds of the club striking the ball or user input. The output of these sensors is coupled to the processor 45 to allow the processor 45 to incorporate the output of the sensors 70 when controlling the golf assistance device 5 and / or determining golf data or other parameters. For example, the additional sensors 70 can be used to monitor the golfer's swing or to determine when a shot or practice shot has been executed (e.g., when the sound of the club striking the ball is received or a vibration profile corresponds to a completed golf shot), and to generate golf statistics or golf data from this information. The Golf Assistance Device 5 further includes one or more wireless communication modules, such as the Wi-Fi Communication Module 75 and the Bluetooth Communication Module 80. This enables the Golf Assistance Device 5 to send and receive location-based golf course information, such as golf map data, to a mobile phone, computer, or other portable electronic device via wireless network technology, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar technologies. Thus, a golfer (user) can update or transfer golf maps during a round of golf or, alternatively, outside of a round, for example, before a round. Furthermore, the golfer (user) can select automatic background transmission and reception of golf course updates in the settings, including updates to other golf-related data and information. For example, the golf assistance device receives golf-related information such as real-time weather conditions, real-time golf course conditions, promotional information for the currently played golf course, promotional information from golf organizers, important and relevant safety information, and / or the like, and can display this on a graphical user interface on screen 10. Although the provision of golf-related information via screen 10 is described, it could also be provided to the golfer (user) via an audio speaker. Additionally, one or more wireless communication modules 75, 80 can be used to enable the golf assistance device 5 to communicate with the user's (golfer's) mobile device or other devices and / or online accounts, to enable the golf assistance device 5 to access and use context and user data, such as calendar / diary data, navigation data or the like.For example, if a user has entered a golf game at a particular golf course in their calendar or enters a particular golf course into a navigation app on their phone, and the user has chosen to share this data with the Golf Assistance Device 5, the Processor 45 can use this data to identify the golf course and ensure that the latest spatial golf course information for that golf course has been downloaded to the Golf Assistance Device 5 before the user arrives at the golf course. In examples, the golf assist device 5 optionally includes a magnet 85. The magnet can be used to attach the golf assist device 5 so that the user (golfer) can securely and temporarily attach it to a golf cart, golf bag, belt, or other portable item. Golfers often need their hands free to execute a golf swing, select a club, tee, or other golf equipment, among other reasons. Therefore, by being able to conveniently and quickly attach the golf assist device magnetically to other holding arrangements such as their cart, bag, holster, or holder, or other portable item, the golfer has their hands free for other activities but can quickly retrieve the golf assist device 5 when needed.The Golf Assistance Device 5 is portable and can be carried by the golfer in their hand or in a golf bag during a round of golf, or attached to a golf trolley using a connector, or coupled to a golf cart, holster, mount, or carrier using the built-in Magnet 85. A golfer may choose to use a combination of methods to carry the device during a normal round of golf, such as either a physical connector like a clip, hook, or strap, or the Magnet 85, or both. The processor 45 is configured to analyze the location data provided by the satellite positioning processor 55 (i.e., the dual-band or other multi-band satellite location data) and the spatial golf course information from the internal memory 50 and optionally one or all of the following: the outputs of any other sensors 70, such as the accelerometer (e.g., a 3-axis accelerometer) and / or the gyroscope, the golf-related information received by the golf assistance device 5, the context or user data received by the golf assistance device 5, the predictor outputs, and / or the like, and to use them to determine golf-related data. The golf-related data determined by the processor 45 includes the location of the golf assistance device 5 or other derived location (e.g., the location of the user (golfer) and / or the golfer's ball) in relation to a golf course on which the user (golfer) is playing (e.g., where the user is currently located on the golf course). Optionally, the golf data may also include the position of the user's golf ball on the golf course. For example, the golf assistance device may be configured to determine a location of the ball based on one or more of the following: location data indicating that the golf assistance device has not moved on the golf course for a period of time; accelerometer or gyroscope data indicating a profile associated with a struck ball; microphone sounds indicating that the club is hitting the ball; user input or confirmations; and / or the like. The spatial golf course information includes golf course layout information describing the layout of the golf course (as well as layout information for a variety of other golf courses). In particular, the spatial golf course information includes the latitude and longitude coordinates of reference points describing each golf hole, preferably with a resolution of at least 750, more preferably at least 1000, and most preferably at least 1500, e.g., 1800 or more reference points per golf hole. As described above, the satellite positioning data are multiband (e.g., dual-band) satellite positioning data, preferably collected using fast switching (e.g., in the nanosecond range) between at least two satellite positioning frequency bands, such as between at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and at least one frequency band from the lower L-band, or switching between one of the bands L1, E1, or G1 and one of the bands L5 or E5. In some specific examples, the switching is between bands L1 and L5. In other examples, the switching is between bands E1 and E5. Optionally, satellite positioning processor 55 and / or processor 45 is configured to implement interpolation, hyper-imaging, or other techniques, or to use the predicted motion output by the predictor to further improve the accuracy of the satellite positioning data.At least partly due to the aforementioned techniques, highly precise location data can be collected, achieving an accuracy somewhere in the range of 50 cm to 1 m or less than 1 m. The Processor 45 is configured to implement an algorithm that, in real time during use, compares the location derived from satellite positioning data received by the Satellite Positioning Processor 55 with detailed georeferenced golf course information. This enables accurate identification and provision of the golfer's position relative to the (e.g., 1,800+) latitude and longitude reference points for that golf hole. The combination of high-precision satellite positioning data (e.g., with an accuracy between 50 cm and 1 m) with the highly detailed georeferenced golf course information (e.g., over 1,500 reference points per hole) allows for more accurate measurement and reporting of the golfer's location on the golf course. This, in turn, enables improved functionality such as zooming in on parts of the golf course or on the golfer's location.Small differences in location can make a significant difference to a round of golf; for example, minute distances can distinguish the fairway or green from the rough, a bunker, water feature, or other hazards. Therefore, these improvements in accuracy in locating the golfer on the course can significantly impact the game. Furthermore, the Processor 45 can be configured to use location tracking and / or golf course-specific data from the geospatial golf course information to improve the localization process. For example, the Processor 45 can identify which hole of the golf course the golf course assistance device is located on and thus limit (or prioritize) the geospatial golf course information that needs to be compared with the identified location to geospatial golf course information for that hole or a portion of the golf course where, based on predictor outputs, the golfer is predicted to be. This could result in faster location identification. The advantage is that the processor 45 can first identify the golf course and then the hole on the golf course where the golf assistance device 5 is located, for example, based on satellite positioning data received by the satellite positioning processor 55, tracking of the golf assistance device 5's location, and / or predictions of the golfers' movements by the predictor. This allows the totality of reference points and associated latitude and longitude coordinates included in the comparison to be limited to those of the specific golf hole on the specific golf course where the golf assistance device 5 is currently located. By utilizing golf-specific data, more efficient processing and faster, more accurate localization of the golf assistance device 5 on the golf course are enabled. At least some of the geospatial golf course information is stored as raster-format map data, with the golf map for each hole divided into a grid of cells, each linked to a reference point. Using raster-format map data, combined with the high accuracy of satellite positioning data, allows for easier zooming and the provision of greater detail compared to other formats, such as vector-formatted data, which have more limited scalability. However, raster-format data can present challenges in terms of storage capacity, particularly with regard to the internal memory of portable, battery-powered devices like the Golf Assistance Device 5. To store large amounts of digital golf map images in a raster format, the golf assistance device 5 uses an internal algorithm that compresses the geospatial golf course information upon upload and stores the compressed geospatial golf course information in internal memory 50 (which may include an embedded integrated multimedia storage circuit). The raster map data is encrypted and compressed in internal memory 50. The internal algorithm is implemented by the processor 45 to decrypt and decompress the compressed geospatial golf course information in internal memory 50 as needed. Therefore, maximum accuracy can be achieved by utilizing all available latitude and longitude map data reference points to visually recreate the golf hole. In some examples, the spatial golf course information is automatically decompressed and unencrypted when needed, and then compressed and encrypted when no longer required. This process could be performed as a result of the golf assistance device 5's specific location on the golf course. This could occur, for example, for the entire course if it is detected that the user (golfer) is on or near a particular golf course. In another example, this could be done on a per-hole basis, such as if it is detected that the user (golfer) is near a tee box of a golf hole, on a previous hole, or on or near a green of a previous hole.The geospatial golf course information can also be automatically recompressed and re-encoded based on the determined location of the golf assistance device 5, for example, if it is determined that the golf assistance device 5 has left the golf course, or has left a golf hole or the green of a golf hole, or is on the teeing ground of a subsequent golf hole, or the like. The processor 45 compares the golfer's actual position on the golf hole or golf course with the reconstructed raster golf map data of the geospatial golf course information to determine the location of the golf assistance device 5 on the golf course. Each cell or reference point has associated map data, such as an elevation for that cell or reference point, a description of the golf course at that cell / reference point (e.g., the golf feature to which the cell or reference point relates, such as rough or degree of rough, fairway, green, trees, water, bunker or other hazard, teeing area or teeing area type (e.g., regular, junior, ladies), and / or the like). In this way, the Golf Assistance Device 5 can display a map with the associated golf-related map data, including the location and extent of golf features and the current location of the Golf Assistance Device 5 (or other derived information, such as the location of the golfer's ball). This allows the golfer to better assess their options while playing golf. The golf assistance device 5 is configured to determine the additional golf data provided by the satellite positioning processor 55 from the location data and the spatial golf course information from the internal memory 50 and optionally one or all of the following: the outputs of any additional sensors 70, such as the accelerometer (e.g. a 3-axis accelerometer) and / or the gyroscope, the golf-related information received by the golf assistance device 5, the contextual or user data received by the golf assistance device 5 and / or the like, and to use them to determine golf data.For example, the processor 45 can be configured to determine an elevation difference between the current location of the golf assistance device 5, determined using satellite positioning data from the satellite positioning processor 55, and one or more golf features of the hole, such as a flagstick position or another location on the golf course to which the user (golfer) wishes to play. The other location on the golf course to which the user (golfer) wishes to play can be selected by the user by providing a selection user input, for example, using the touchscreen 10.In another example, the processor 45 can be configured to determine a course from the current location of the golf assistance device 5, determined using satellite positioning data from the satellite positioning processor 55, and one or more golf features of the hole, such as a flagstick position or another location on the golf course to which the user (golfer) wishes to play. The other location on the golf course to which the user (golfer) wishes to play can be selected by the user by providing a selection user input, for example, using the touchscreen 10. The golf data determined by the processor 45 is displayed on the screen 10 (for example, in a user interface, optionally along with map data) or provided as audio output. Some examples of golf data that can be determined and provided by the golf assistance device 5 are shown as examples on user interfaces provided on the display 10 of the golf assistance device 5 in Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17. Fig. 10 shows a user interface 1000 provided on the display 10 of the golf assistance device 5. In this example, the user interface 1000 displays a map 1005 of the current hole of a golf course being played by the user (golfer) in a top-down or overhead view. The map 1005 is determined by the processor 45 from the georeferenced golf course information, and the golfer's location is the location of the golf assistance device 5, which is determined using the multi-band satellite positioning data from the satellite positioning processor 55 and provided in the map 1005 of the golf hole. Map 1005 of the golf hole includes golf course features such as the tees for men, women and juniors 1010, 1015, 1020, bunker 1025, 1030, the fairway 1035, the rough 1040 and the green 1045 including the flagstick position 1050.The location 1055 of the golf assist device 5 is specified as 1055 and, in this case, is on the ladies' tee 1015. The user has selected a point 1060 on the fairway, which is the intended target. The processor 45 then identifies the distance between the location 1055 of the golf assist device 5 and the user-selected point 1060 and displays this in the user interface at 1065. In the examples, the processor 45 alternatively or additionally identifies one or both of the following: the course and elevation difference between the location 1055 of the golf assist device 5 and the user-selected point 1060, and displays this in the user interface at 1065. Fig. 11 shows another configuration of the user interface 1100, which is provided on the display 10 of the golf assistance device 5. In this example, the user interface 1100 displays a map 1105 of the current hole of a golf course being played by the user (golfer) in a top-down or overhead view. The map 1105 is determined by the processor 45 from the georeferenced golf course information, and the golfer's location 1155 is the location of the golf assistance device 5, which is determined using the multi-band satellite positioning data of the satellite positioning processor 55 and provided on the map 1105 of the golf hole. The processor 45 calculates one or more distance curves corresponding to locations with the same set or preset distances from the golfer's current location 1155 and marks these on the displayed map.Furthermore, the processor 45 calculates the distance between location 1055 of the golf assist device 5 and the flagpole 1150 and displays this in the user interface at 1165. In the examples, the processor 45 alternatively or additionally identifies one or both of the following: course and elevation difference between location 1055 of the golf assist device 5 and the flagpole 1150 and displays this in the user interface at 1065. Figures 12, 13 to 14 show the raster scan format of the spatial golf course information, which comprises a series of reference points 1205. Not all reference points 1205 are shown, and in practice there would be well over 1000 reference points 1205, typically over 1500 reference points 1205 per hole. However, only a few reference points 1205 are shown to illustrate the grid-like or cell-like nature of the reference points 1205. As mentioned above, the reference points 1205 are arranged in a regular pattern in rows and columns to effectively define a grid / cells. The reference points cover the major golf course features, such as... B. the tees for men, women and juniors 1010, 1015, 1020, bunker 1025, 1030, the fairway 1035, the green 1045 and obstacles 1070, e.g. trees.In this particular example, the rough (1040) is not covered by the reference points and is assumed to be everything within the boundaries of the golf hole that is not a golf course feature. However, this is not necessarily the case, and in other examples, the rough (1040) is covered by the grid of reference points in the same way as the other golf course features. As mentioned earlier, the resolution of the reference points is high, with over 1000 reference points per hole, and typically over 1500, e.g., over 1800 reference points per hole, are used. This high level of accuracy results in a better experience for the golfer, allowing for better zooming and more precise positioning on the golf hole. Fig. 12 shows the coverage of reference features for a complete golf hole. Fig. 13 shows the coverage of reference features for only a portion of fairway 1035.Figure 14 shows the coverage of reference features on the green 1045, the bunkers 1025, 1030 and an obstacle 1070. The golf assist device is configured to allow the golfer to select different views of the golf hole map in the user interface on the screen 10 of the golf assist device 5, such as those shown in Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, or Fig. 16, or others. Fig. 15 shows a zoomed-in view around green 1045, with the outline of green 1045 indicated using arrows and / or shading. The outline of the green can be derived from the spatial golf course information retrieved from the internal memory 50. If the location of the golf assist device 5 indicates that the spatial golf course information is required for this golf hole (e.g.,As you approach the golf course, or while on the previous hole, on the green of the previous hole, or approaching the hole that includes green 1045, the spatial course information for that hole is retrieved. This can be used to determine and display any required course features or views, such as the zoomed-in view of green 1045 and the green's outline shown in Fig. 15. Another possible view is shown in Fig. 16, which displays a user interface showing an overview of a map and linked data related to an approach shot. This data provides a detailed description of hazards 1070, bunkers 1025 and 1030, slopes, and run-off areas around a golf green 1045. The displayed information includes the slopes and outlines of the area around the green 1045, as well as scale markers to give the golfer an idea of the distances and sizes of the displayed golf feature. These distances and sizes can all be determined by the processor 45 from the spatial golf course information for that hole. The golf assistance device 5 can be configured to automatically select a default view based on the location of the golf assistance device 5, which is determined at least partially from the band satellite positioning data acquired by the satellite positioning processor 55 and the antenna 30. For example, if, as a result of the golf assistance device 5 being determined by the processor 45 to be located at or approaching a tee 1010, 1015, 1020 of a golf hole, an overhead or top-down map of the entire golf hole, such as that shown in Fig. 10 or Fig. 11, could be automatically displayed. Similarly, if the processor 45 determines that the golf assistance device 5 is located within a threshold area of a green (e.g.,The golf assist device 5 can be configured to automatically switch to an approach view, such as that shown in Fig. 16, when the distance to the green is greater than a minimum but less than a maximum distance. Consequently, if the golf assist device 5 is determined to be on the green 1045 or at the edges of the green (e.g., within a threshold of 20 m), the golf assist device 5 can automatically switch to displaying a zoomed green outline view, such as that shown in Fig. 15. The golf assist device 5 can be configured with user settings where the user can choose between automatic view selection or not, and / or the user can manually override the default automatically selected view by subsequently selecting a view manually.This means that the Golf Assistance Device 5 is configured to automatically switch between different golf map views and / or different golf data for display depending on the specific location. The golf assistance device 5 is configured to receive user input, e.g., via the touchscreen 10, voice input, buttons, or the like. The golf assistance device can be operated by the user to select a point on the golf course by user input, such as point 1060 in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. The golf assistance device 5 can also be operational to allow the user to select a selectable golf course feature 1080, such as bunker 1025, 1030, the fairway 1035, rough 1040, the green 1045, and / or flagstick position 1050, as shown in Fig. 17.If golf course feature 1080 is selected, then the golf information can optionally be provided relative to (or for) a reference point corresponding to the selected golf course feature 1080 that is closest to the location of the golf assistance device 5, or to a reference point that is closest to a midpoint of the selected golf course feature 1080, a center point of the golf course feature 1080, an average of all the reference points corresponding to this selected golf course feature, a geographic center point of the golf course feature, or the like. In the examples, the Golf Assistance Device 5 is configured so that selecting a golf course feature or a selected location on the golf hole automatically results in a calculation and / or display of golf data for or in relation to the selected golf course feature (e.g., distance, courses and / or elevation difference between the specified location of the Golf Assistance Device 5 and the selected golf course feature or selected location). This means that when the user selects a point 1060 on the golf course or a golf course feature 1080, the processor 45 of the golf assistance device 5 is operational to determine and provide golf information for the selected point 1060 on the golf course or golf course feature 1080 relative to the current location of the golf assistance device 5 (e.g., display on screen 10 and / or as audio), which was determined from the satellite positioning data. For example, the golf information that is determined and provided could include any or all of the following: distance, course, and / or elevation difference between the current location of the golf assistance device 5, determined from the satellite positioning data, and the selected point 1060 on the golf course or golf course feature 1080. In addition to providing relative golf information (i.e., golf information such as distance, course, and elevation change) from a location of the Golf Assistance Device 5, the Golf Assistance Device 5 can also provide location-independent golf information for the selected point 1060 or the selected golf course feature 1080. Examples of such information could include the angle and / or slope direction at the selected point 1060 or for this golf course feature 1080, an elevation at the selected point 1060 or for this golf course feature 1080, descriptions of the selected point 1060 or golf course feature 1080, such as details of the feature type (e.g., fairway, rough, bunker, etc.), details of the rough depth, a location (e.g., latitude and longitude, or the like) of the selected point 1060 or for this golf course feature 1080, and / or the like.This information can be extracted from the spatial golf course information for this hole. Other examples of information that could be provided include weather data such as wind speed and / or direction, average or historical statistical golf performance data for the selected golf course feature 1080 or the selected point 1060 (e.g., 42% of golfers who land in a selected bunker require two or more strokes to get out, 64% of golfers aiming for this section of the fairway hit the fairway, etc.). This type of data could be accessed via an internet or other wide area network connection 75, 80 or retrieved from the internal memory 50 of the golf assistance device 5. Other data that can be provided (and optionally combined with the location-based golf course information) includes course information such as address, contact details, course images, designer, scorecard, stroke index, golf course history and information on the teeing area for men, women and / or juniors. Although the foregoing description generally refers to a single portable device, corresponding steps and functions can also be provided in a computer-implemented (or other suitable device, such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other smart device) method and computer program product, which can be provided on a non-volatile, tangible, computer-readable medium. Figures 18 and 19 outline methods underlying some of the features described above; however, the present disclosure is not limited to these, and features may be performed in addition to and / or as part of the methods of Figures 18 and 19, analogous to the features or actions described above with respect to the golf assistance device 5. Fig. 18 illustrates a method for providing electronic assistance in golf. In step 1805, using the positioning system of a golf assistance device, a location of the golf assistance device or another derived location is determined using the received wireless signals in the at least two frequency bands. Step 1810 comprises retrieving, from the internal memory of the golf assistance system, spatial golf course information, which includes at least golf course layout information describing a plurality of golf courses, stored in the internal memory.Step 1815 involves determining and providing, using the golf assistance device's processing circuitry, golf data from one or both of the following: the golf assistance device's location or other derived location from the positioning system, and the spatial golf course information of a golf course from the multitude of golf courses stored in the internal memory. This processing in Step 1815 could further include displaying or otherwise providing the golf assistance device's location or other derived location on a map of a golf hole where the golf assistance device 5 is currently located. Fig. 19 illustrates a method for accessing the spatial golf course information from step 1810 of Fig. 18. In step 1905, it is determined whether the location of a golf assistance device meets a location criterion. For example, it could be determined whether the golf assistance device is on or near (e.g., within a certain distance of) a golf course, a golf hole, or a specific part of a golf hole, such as a teeing ground or a green. In step 1910, the geospatial golf course information associated with the location criterion is decompressed and / or unencrypted, after having been previously stored in a compressed and / or encrypted form, optionally in the internal memory of the golf assistance device. For example, if the location criterion is that the golf assistance device is located on or near (e.g., within a certain distance of) a golf course, then the geospatial golf course information for that golf course is decompressed and / or unencrypted. If the location criterion is that the golf assistance device is located on or near (e.g., within a certain distance of) a teeing area of a golf hole, then the geospatial golf course information for that golf hole is decompressed and / or unencrypted.If the location criterion is that the golf assistance device is located on or near (e.g., within a certain distance of) a green of a golf hole, then the geospatial golf course information for the next / following hole will be decompressed and / or unencrypted. Other combinations of location criteria and associated geospatial golf course information may be used and would be apparent from this disclosure. In general, the geospatial golf course information required by the user is decompressed and / or unencrypted before it is needed (and recompressed and re-encrypted once it is no longer required). In 1915, it is determined whether the location of the golf assistance device no longer meets the location criterion or meets a second location criterion (where the second location criterion is a criterion indicating that at least some of the decompressed and / or unencrypted spatial golf course information is no longer needed). The second criterion could, for example, include the location of the golf assistance device, which was previously on the green of a golf hole and is now on a teeing ground of a subsequent / next golf hole, and then the spatial golf course information for that golf hole (i.e., the golf hole for which the golf assistance device was previously located on the green of that golf hole).As another example, the second criterion could include the location of the golf assistance device, which was previously located on a golf course and is now at least a certain distance away. In yet another example, the second criterion could include the location of the golf assistance device, which was previously located on one golf hole and is now located on a different golf hole. In step 1920, the decompressed and / or unencrypted geospatial golf course information that is no longer immediately needed is recompressed and / or encrypted for storage in the internal memory of the golf assistance device. This could involve recompressing and / or encrypting the geospatial golf course information for an entire golf course or for a specific hole within the course. The golf assistance device on which the procedures of Figure 18 and / or Figure 19 are carried out can be the golf assistance device 5 described above in relation to one of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 to 17. The process steps of the invention can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program to carry out functions of the invention by processing input data and generating an output. Process steps can also be performed by special logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), or other custom-designed circuitry. Processors suitable for executing a computer program include CPUs and microprocessors, and one or more other processors of any type. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory, random-access memory, or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data.In general, a computer also includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or is operationally coupled to them to receive data from or transmit data to them, or both. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or integrated with special logic circuitry. To provide interaction with a user, the invention can be implemented on a device comprising a screen, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), plasma, LED (light-emitting diode), or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, to display information to the user, and an input device, e.g., a keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, trackball, and the like, with which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and user input can be received in any form, including acoustic, verbal, or tactile input. The methods described herein with reference to Figures 18 and 19 and / or the golf assistance device of any of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 to 17 may be embodied in or as a device, such as a mobile or network-enabled device. The device may include or comprise a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, and / or the like. The functions of the processor 45 or the steps of the methods may be implemented by a suitable program or application (app) running on the device. The device may include at least one processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a mathematical coprocessor (MCP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU) and / or the like.The at least one processor can be a single-core or multi-core processor. The device can include memory and / or other data storage, which may be implemented on DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid-State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or other suitable magnetic, optical, and / or electronic storage devices. The at least one processor and / or the memory and / or data storage can be located locally, e.g., on a single device, or on multiple devices communicating with each other at a single location, or distributed across multiple local and / or remote devices. The device can include a communication module, e.g., a wireless and / or wired communication module.The communication module can be configured to communicate via a cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, near field communication (NFC), IR, satellite communication, other internet-enabled networks, and / or the like. The communication module can be configured to communicate via Ethernet or other wired networks or connections, via a telecommunications network such as POTS, PSTN, DSL, ADSL, or an optical carrier line and / or ISDN connection, or a network and / or the like, via the cloud and / or the internet or another suitable data transmission network. The communication module can be configured to communicate via optical communication such as wireless optical communication (OWC), free-space optical communication, or Li-Fi, or via fiber optics and / or the like. The Processor 45 can be configured to communicate with a remote server or data storage device via the communication module.
Claims
Golf assistance device comprising: a positioning system for determining the location of the golf assistance device or any other derived location; internal memory for storing spatial golf course information for a plurality of golf courses; and processing circuitry for determining and providing golf data from one or both of the following: the location of the golf assistance device or the other derived location from the positioning system, and the spatial golf course information of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses stored in the internal memory; wherein the positioning system is a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands to determine the location of the golf assistance device or the other derived location. Golf assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the golf data comprises one or more of: distance, course and / or elevation change from the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom to a user-selected location on a golf course from the plurality of golf courses and / or at least one golf course feature of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses. Golf assistance device according to a preceding claim, wherein the positioning system is configured to operate with at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and at least one frequency band from the lower L-band. Golf assistance device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning system is configured to operate using the following: at least one frequency band from at least one of: the L1, E1 and / or G1 band; and at least one frequency band from at least one of: the L5 and / or E5 bands. Golf assistance device according to a preceding claim, wherein the positioning system is configured to repeatedly switch between measurements in different frequency bands of the at least two frequency bands during use. Golf assistance device according to a preceding claim, wherein the positioning system is configured to repeatedly switch between measurements in the at least one frequency band from the upper L-band and measurements in the at least one frequency band from the lower L-band during use. Golf assistance system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning system is configured to determine the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom with an accuracy of 0.5 m to 1 m or less; and / or the spatial golf course information includes data with an accuracy of 0.5 m to 1 m or less. Golf assistance device according to a foregoing system, the gyroscope, the accelerometer and / or a battery or other claim, wherein the spatial golf course information comprises latitude and longitude information for a plurality of points or cells on the plurality of golf courses and descriptions for at least some or all of the points or cells that describe the golf course features represented by the points or cells, wherein the memory is configured to store at least over 1,800 latitude and longitude golf map data reference points or cells for each golf hole of all of the plurality of golf courses; and / or the plurality of golf courses comprises over 40,000 golf courses and / or the golf map data reference points or cells can be for over 600,000 golf holes. Golf assistance device according to claim 8, wherein the golf course features comprise at least one, some or each of the following: teeing grounds; fairways; rough and / or different categories of rough; bunkers; hazards; water; trees; greens; out-of-bounds for each course; and / or flagpoles. Golf assistance device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following: a magnetic mount for attaching the golf assistance device to a metallic structure, an accelerometer and / or gyroscope. A golf assistance device according to any preceding claim, comprising or configured to implement a motion predictor for predicting future motion or location of the golf assistance device or the user, wherein the predictor is configured to predict future motion or location of the golf assistance device or the user based on at least one of the following: a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom; one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or the other locations derived therefrom; the output of the accelerometer and / or gyroscope; and / or previous predictions of the motion or location of the golf assistance device or the user by the predictor. Golf assistance device according to any preceding claim, wherein the other location derived from the location of the golf assistance device may comprise one or both of the following: a location of the user and / or a location of the user's golf ball. Golf assistance device according to any preceding claim, wherein the golf assistance device is configured to automatically and selectively temporarily shut down or reduce the functionality of one or more circuits of the golf assistance device as a result of at least one of the following: a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom; one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or the other locations derived therefrom; the prediction of future movement or a location of the golf assistance device or the user by the predictor; and / or the output of the accelerometer and / or gyroscope;and wherein the one or more circuits of the golf assistance device that are temporarily switched off or whose functionality is reduced include at least one of the following: the positioning system, the internal memory, the processing circuit, the display, a wireless communication system, the gyroscope and / or the accelerometer. Golf assistance device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein two or more or all of: the positioning system, the internal memory, the processing circuit, the display, a wireless communication system, the gyroscope, the accelerometer and / or a battery or other power source are provided within a common housing. Golf assistance device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one or both of the following apply: the internal memory is configured to store at least a portion of the spatial golf course information in raster format and / or as a grid of cells or points; and / or the internal memory is configured to store at least a portion of the spatial golf course information in compressed and / or encrypted form, wherein the internal memory is configured to selectively decompress and / or recompress and / or selectively decrypt and / or encrypt at least a portion of the spatial golf course information, at least partially as a result of at least one of the following: a currently determined location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom; one or more previously determined locations of the golf assistance device or the other locations derived therefrom;the prediction of future movement or location of the golf assistance device or the user by the predictor; and / or the output of the accelerometer and / or gyroscope.; Golf assistance device according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more monitoring devices, wherein one or both of the following apply: at least one of the monitoring devices comprises a Doppler radar device for determining at least one or each of the following: flight, distance and / or direction of the golf ball; and / or at least one of the monitoring devices comprises an integrated camera for monitoring one or more of the following: at least part or all of the golfer swinging the golf club, the golf club while it is used to strike the golf ball, the flight of the golf ball and / or the direction of the golf ball. Golf assistance device according to claim 2 or any dependent claim, configured to: receive user inputs, wherein the user inputs comprise at least a selection of the at least one golf course feature or location on a golf course; and determine and provide at least one or all of the following: distance, orientation, elevation and / or elevation difference of the selected at least one golf course feature or location with respect to the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom. A method for assisting a golf game, comprising: determining, using a positioning system of a golf assistance device, the location of the golf assistance device or any other location derived therefrom; accessing, from an internal memory of the golf assistance system, spatial golf course information for at least a portion of a golf course, wherein the internal memory stores spatial golf course information for a plurality of golf courses; and determining and providing, using processing circuitry of the golf assistance device, golf data from one or both of the following: the location of the golf assistance device or any other location derived therefrom from the positioning system, and the spatial golf course information of a golf course from the plurality of golf courses stored in the internal memory;wherein the positioning system is a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands, and the determination of the location of the golf assistance device or other location derived therefrom is based at least partially on the wireless signals in at least two frequency bands. A computer-readable program product configured such that, when implemented on a golf assistance device comprising: processing circuitry; internal memory storing spatial golf course information for a multitude of golf courses; and a multi-band positioning system receiving and using wireless signals in at least two frequency bands, causes the golf assistance device to: determine, using the positioning system of a golf assistance device, a location of the golf assistance device or any other location derived therefrom using the wireless signals received in the at least two frequency bands; access, from the internal memory of the golf assistance system, spatial golf course information, including at least golf course layout information describing a layout of at least a portion of a course that could be from the multitude of golf courses;and Determine and provide, using the processing circuit of the golf assistance device, golf data from one or both of the following: the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom from the positioning system and the spatial golf course information of a golf course from the multitude of golf courses stored in the internal memory. A method for manufacturing a golf assistance device, the method comprising: providing a positioning system for determining the location of the golf assistance device or any other derived location, wherein the positioning system is a multi-band positioning system that receives and uses wireless signals in at least two frequency bands to determine the location of the golf assistance device or any derived location; providing internal memory for storing spatial golf course information for a multitude of golf courses;and providing processing circuitry for determining and providing golf data from one or both of the following: the location of the golf assistance device or the other location derived therefrom from the positioning system and the spatial golf course information of a golf course from the multitude of golf courses stored in the internal memory; and assembling such that at least the positioning system, the internal memory and the processing circuitry are jointly provided in the golf assistance device.
