Abstract: A method, apparatus. and system is described for displaying a message to a golfer on a golf course. The system includes a number of GPS receivers attached to carts (or handheld) which display golf information and/or messages. The GPS receiver includes a display which can show the distance to the golf cup or other feature on a golf hole. The display can show a message, such as an advertising message, to the golfer. The message is shown at convenient, nonintrusive times. For example, such messages are shown at predetermined locations on the golf course such as before the first hole, after the last hole, or between holes. Additionally, such messages can be displayed using location information to determine if the receiver is moving or stopped. Finally, such messages may be displayed based on the activity of the golfer, such as scorecard input or refreshment ordering. In a preferred form, a pen input display capable of graphics is used.

Abstract: A method and system is described for determining the approximate distance from a golf ball to features on a golf course. The system includes a number of GPS receivers attached to carts (or handheld) which display the distance between the feature location and the receiver location. The GPS receiver includes a display of the golf hole being played which shows: the location of the receiver on the hole; the golf cup on the green; hazards on the hole; and the distance to the golf cup or other feature. In a preferred form, a pen input display is used and the player can designate a mark on the display and find out the distance from the receiver to the mark or the distance from the mark to the golf pin. The display preferably shows a distance grid centered about the receiver (or a mark) which allows a quick estimate of distance to the pin hazards, driving distance, target areas, to the group playing ahead, or other features on the hole.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the locations of freight containers in a freight yard is described. A remote unit that includes a GPS receiver is attached to the freight containers. The remote receivers have an independent power supply—a battery. Intermittently, either by a timer or by a motion detector, the remote receivers are operated. During operation, the remote receivers receive signals from the global positioning satellite system and at an allotted time, transmit the GPS data to a base station before shutting down to conserve power. The base station processes the GPS data to determine a position in the freight yard of each freight container. When a particular freight container or contents is desired, a data base in the base station can be consulted and the contents and location of a particular freight container located. The freight yard is typically outside with a view of the GPS constellation, such as a rail yard, airport baggage area, ship yard, truck park, etc.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention provides for determining accurate positions using a global positioning satellite system (GPS), either the United States Navstar or Russian Glonass, without the use of radio broadcast differential corrections. The method contemplates that selective availability (S/A) is either disabled or satellites with S/A active can be identified and not used. In one method, a GPS receiver is positioned at a reference location with a known position. The apparent position determined by the GPS receiver is then compared to the known position to determine an error correction. Preferably, the error correction is made to each satellite's pseudorange as a timing or range correction. When the GPS receiver moves, the error correction is applied to each satellite's pseudorange. The satellites used for position determination are chosen based on the "quality" of the satellite. Here, "quality" can mean the geometry of the satellite relative to the earth and the absence of SIA.

Abstract: A method and system for determing the approximate distance from a golf ball to the golf cup on the golf-green is described. The system stores the location of the golf cup in computer memory and determines the location of a global positioning satellite receiver positioned near the golf ball. The system calculates the distance between the golf cup location and the receiver location. Preferably, the receiver includes a display of the golf hole being played, with the location of the receiver on the hole, the golf cup on the green, and the distance to the golf cup being displayed. In a preferred form the player can designate a mark on the display and find out the distance from the receiver to the mark or the distance from the mark to the golf pin. The position of the receiver is error corrected, with the error correction preferably calculated using a reference global positioning satellite receiver positioned at a known location.