GOLF COURSE CARRIER CONTROLLER AND ASSISTANT

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of controlling the travel and positioning of a golf bag carrier and assisting the golfer during his or her round of golf. The carrier could be a golf bag carrier of the kind typically driven by a golfer, a separate golf bag cart or a combination of both carriers. The inventive apparatus and method described herein controls the movement of the golf bag carrier without the need for the golfer to control all of the movement of the carrier and/or to walk with a corresponding device. Further, carriers that include the physical elements of the present invention have access to various details about the golf course, its surroundings and the golfer and can use information provided from such physical elements to navigate the golf course and provide the golfer with useful information that assist in the golfer's play.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an apparatus for and a method of controlling the travel and positioning of a golf bag carrier and assisting the golfer during his or her round of golf.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application contains material that is subject to copyright protection. Noting the confidential protection afforded non-provisional patent applications prior to publication, the copyright owner hereby authorizes the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to reproduce this document and portions thereof prior to publication as necessary for its records. The copyright owner otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Motorized golf bag carriers are known in the art. The most obvious carrier is the drivable golf bag carrier with seating for passengers and a space on the back thereof for storage of golf bags. Also known are the ‘push’ (or ‘pull’) handcarts upon which a golfer can mount his or her golf bag. Such handcarts are typically moved through the applicable golf course through the physical efforts of the golfing (e.g., pushing or pulling it along). A subset of handcarts have systems through which they can move the handcart independent of the golfer's physical efforts or at least decrease the level of such effort that is necessary.

Preexisting golf bag carriers include, for example, motorized vehicles (driven by golfers) and powered golf bag cart that can follow the golfer based upon a signaling device carried or worn by the golfer. Other carriers include displays that show attributes about the golf course such as, for example, layout of tees, fairways and greens, and distances between the location of the carrier and the hole the golfer is approaching.

In fact, the prior art includes powered golf bag carriers that are remote controlled, but the notable system is in a ‘follow-the-leader’ configuration, where the golfer carries the controller. Such a system does not have the functionality or information needed to itself ‘know’ the surroundings of the golf course. Other prior art references disclose carriers that a motorized and steerable by the golfer using other assortment of technologies, but for each, there is a specific need for direct input and guidance by the golfer. Separately, there are systems that assist golfers in understanding the layout of, design of and other information related to the golf courses. The prior art references do not show, however, a system that integrates the functionality necessary for the golf bag carrier to almost autonomously navigate the golf course with as desired by the golfer using it.

With the foregoing describing some of the shortfalls of the prior systems and methods, the present inventions (both the system and the method) are designed and have been developed to address these considerations and other challenges in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of controlling the travel and positioning of a golf bag carrier and assisting the golfer during his or her round of golf. The carrier could be a golf bag carrier of the kind typically driven by a golfer (with the golf bag mounted on the back), a separate golf bag cart (typically pulled or pushed by a walking golfer) or a combination of both carriers (for example, a drivable carrier accompanied by a separate golf bag cart, which could be attached to the drivable carrier). The inventive apparatus and method described herein controls the movement of the golf bag carrier without the need for the golfer to control all of the movement of the carrier and/or to walk with a corresponding device. Further, carriers that include the physical elements of the present invention have access to various details about the golf course, its surroundings and the golfer and can use information provided from such physical elements to navigate the golf course and provide the golfer with useful information that assist in the golfer's play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of elements of the apparatus, inclusive of a CPU, the two detectors, a power source, an interface through which the CPU and the golfer can exchange information, and a communications element.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present inventive apparatus attached to a motorized golf bag carrier and another embodiment mounted in a golf bag carrier.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present inventive apparatus mounted in a golf bag carrier and cameras positioned along the golf course path which with apparatus the communicates.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present inventive apparatus mounted in a golf bag carrier along with a path-side sensor and the home-base control center.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the movement of a motorized golf bag carrier navigating itself around a sand trap through which the golfer walks.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show embodiments of interfaces for the present inventive apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting the present inventive method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In its broadest embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus capable of controlling a golf bag carrier and otherwise assisting a golfer with such apparatus comprising (A) housing 114, (B) CPU 102, (C) power source 104, (D) detector 106 detecting the position of the golf bag carrier to which the element is attached, (E) detector 108 detecting and monitoring the position of objects in and other aspects of the carriers surroundings, (F) interface 110 through which CPU 102 and the golfer can exchange information, and (G) communications element 112 connects CPU 102 and the system that moves the carrier (e.g., a means of communicating instructions from CPU 102 to the driving system that powers the golf course carrier's wheels). Preferably, CPU 102 and other electronic components are positioned with the appropriately configured housing 114.

It is also preferably for housing 114 to be capable of being mounted on the target golf bag carrier. Where the carrier is the form of a vehicle typically driven by the golfer, housing 114 could be internal to the carrier—as seen in FIG. 2. Conversely, where the carrier is a separate golf bag cart, housing 114 may be mountable, for example, at top of the cart—as also seen in FIG. 2.

It is additionally preferably that CPU 102 can coordinate the operation of housing-occupying electronic components. Accordingly, it preferable that power source 104, detector 106, detector 108, and communications element 112 are physically connected to housing 114. It is important for CPU 102 to have access to desirable and predetermined information about the golf course in which the golf bag carrier is to be used. The element providing power to CPU 102 (e.g., power source 104) can also be used to power other electronic components. The element that can detect the position of the golf bag carrier and navigate its movement (e.g., detector 106) is also preferably electronically connected to CPU 102 and such element can detect the position and track the movement of such golf bag carrier within the surroundings of the golf course. The element that detects and monitors the positions of the golfer, along with the positions of objects in and other aspects of the surroundings of the golf bag carrier (e.g. detector 108), is preferably electronically attached to CPU 102 and physically connected to golf bag carrier. Interface 110, usable by the golfer, is preferably electronically connected to CPU 102. Communications element 112 electronically connects the CPU and the system that powers the movement of the golf bag carrier via wireless technology, through a physical connection, or through other means. When the carrier is a golf vehicle, CPU 102 could be, for example, capable of controlling the travel of the vehicle when the golfer is not driving. When the carrier is a golf bag cart, CPU 102 could be, for example, capable of controlling the travel of the golf bag cart when the golfer is not pulling or pushing it.

In a more particular embodiment of the inventive apparatus, the element used to detect and navigate the golf bag carrier includes global positioning system (GPS) technology. Such GPS technology could be physically connected to the housing and powered by the same source as the CPU. Additionally or alternatively, the detection and navigation could be accomplished through the use of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology, with such LIDAR technology also potentially physically connected to the housing and powered by the CPU powering source.

As a third option, the detecting and monitoring could be facilitated by one or more cameras electronically attached to the CPU. Such camera(s) could be physically connected to the golf bag carrier in a position independent to the housing or physically connected to the housing—the important aspect being the view of the camera(s) to assist in the navigation of the golf bag carrier. In certain embodiments, one or more of the cameras can capture one or more images of the golfer using the apparatus.

Instead of or in addition to cameras, detection and monitoring could be accomplished through the use of radar technology. In such a case, for example, one radar unit could be physically connected to the golf bag carrier in a position wherein the radar unit could detect objects in the surrounding of the golf bag carrier. Also, LIDAR technology could be just as appropriate for such detection and monitoring (e.g., in detecting objects in the surrounding of the golf bag carrier).

Conversely or additionally, cameras could be positioned, for example, in various locations throughout the golf course, can detect and track the locations of the golf bag carriers, and be in communication with the CPU, directly, indirectly (through a “home base” system or the CPU of other carriers) or both FIG. 3 shows golf bag carrier 302 that is controlled by apparatus 304. Connected electronically to apparatus 304 are not only camera 306, but also through transmitters 310 cameras 308. The electronic connection between cameras 308 and apparatus 304 is facilitated through the use of communications element 312, mounted on golf bag carrier 302.

FIG. 4 shows “home base” element 410 and sensor 408. Both of the foregoing are in communication with golf bag carrier 402 via communication element 406. In this depiction of communication element 406, it is mounted on the top of golf bag carrier 402, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that communication element 406 could be within and physically connected to a structure such as housing 114. Apparatus 404 uses the information from each from “home base” element 410, sensor 408 (and others throughout the golf course) and other information to control the travel of golf bag carrier 402.

Further, such cameras and/or radar units could also be used as the elements that detect and monitor the movement of objects in proximity to, and the other aspects of the surroundings of, the golf bag carrier. Such objects and surroundings could include, for example, obstacles on the path of the golf bag carrier, a golf ball in flight (e.g., as it moves relative to the golf bag carrier), the golfer, or other objects that are identifiable based upon the information available to the CPU. At least one of the cameras could be movable and could have other attributes that facilitate the ability of that camera being able to substantially maintain a view of the golfer when he or she is within a desired distance from the golf bag carrier.

In another embodiment, cameras in various locations throughout the golf course could communicate directly or indirectly with the CPU on the vehicle to view the golfer, objects, ‘obstacles’ and other aspects of the golf course in the surroundings of the carrier. FIG. 5 shows an example of the autonomous movement of golf bag cart 504 along path 510 around sand trap 506 as golfer 502 moves through the center of sand trap 506 along path 508. In this particular embodiment, the apparatus mounted on golf bag cart 504 includes one or more movable cameras and has other attributes that facilitate the ability of the camera(s) to substantially maintain a view of the golfer when such golfer is within a predetermined distance from golf bag cart 504. Additionally, a radar unit could be capable of (A) detecting objects and ‘obstacles’ within the operable range of the radar unit, (B) providing the information necessary for the CPU to calculate the distance between such detected objects and detected ‘obstacles’ and the golf bag carrier, and (C) monitoring the movement of the golf bag carrier relative to the objects and ‘obstacles’. With such detection and monitoring, information about the objects and ‘obstacles’ received by the CPU can be used to control the movement of the golf bag carrier. Further, the inventive apparatus could monitor, for example, the traction of the carrier at the location on the golf course (e.g., determine if the wheels are slipping) and the sliding of the carrier on inclines.

In one embodiment of the inventive apparatus, the interface can be physically connected to the golf bag carrier in a position where the golfer can readily see information from the CPU. FIGS. 6A and 6B show examples of embodiments of interface 110 (from FIG. 1). In FIGS. 6A and 6B, interface 602 could comprise touch screen display monitor 608. An additional functional component of the interface could be a listening element 606. Such a listening element 606 could be used to capture, for example, oral instructions and commands from the golfer. One of ordinary skill in the art would realize that such a listening element 606 could alternatively be separate from the interface, provided that listening element 606 is nevertheless electronically attached to the CPU and in some way physically connected to the golf bag carrier in a position, so it can ‘hear’ the golfer speaking in a conversational level at desired distance from the golf bag carrier.

As opposed to or in addition to ‘listening’, one particular embodiment of the inventive apparatus could include one or more audio-producing elements 604 electronically attached to the CPU and physically connected to the golf bag carrier in a position where the sounds produced by audio-producing elements 604 can be understandably heard by the golfer positioned within a desired distance from such golf bag carrier. An example of such audio-producing elements 606 could be one or more speakers. The listening element 606 could be one or more microphones. In a more particular embodiment of the apparatus, interface 602 can display information about the surrounding of the golf bag carrier. Such information could include, for example, the distance between the then-current position of a golf ball and the hole the golfer is then approaching. In certain embodiments of the present inventive apparatus, the functionality that acts as listening element 606 and/or the audio-producing elements 604 might be electronically connected to the CPU but embodied in a device physically in the possession of the golfer. For example, through Bluetooth, WIFI, or similar technology, the CPU could be linked to the golfer's phone, tablet or other device whereby, with the use of the appropriate mobile application, the ‘listening’ and ‘audio-producing’ functions are performed through such devices.

In the more preferable embodiment of the present inventive apparatus, (A) the source of the power for the CPU, (B) the element that detects the golf course surroundings and navigates the movement of the golf bag carrier, (C) the element that detects and monitors objects in the carrier's surroundings, and (D) means of communicating instructions to move the golf bag carrier, are all connected within the housing. It is also an option for the source of the power for these and possibly other electronic components to be a battery element within the housing.

Another particular embodiment of the present inventive apparatus could also include a transmitter/receiver element through which signals can be communicated between the golf bag carrier and one or more of a variety of remotely located transmitters/receivers. The transmitters/receivers could be physically connected to the housing and powered by the same source as the other electronic components. Further, the remotely located transmitters/receivers could be associated with a ‘home base’ system at the club house of the golf course or such other location as designated by the course operator. It is also conceivable that the ‘home base’ system could be in communication with multiple golf bag carriers that similarly have a connection with an embodiment of the present inventive apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, remotely located transmitters/receivers could be positioned at various locations throughout the golf course, with some of such devices electronically connected to, for example, cameras, radar units, and other means of detecting and monitor movement in their view and stationary aspects of the golf course, or a storage means that transmits hole specific information. The apparatus could also, through its networked capabilities, use information from other golf bag carriers to facilitate the evaluation of information being processed by the C

All or some of the desirable information about the golf course (e.g., the course layout including hazards and out-of-bounds areas) can be pre-loaded into a data storage element electronically connected to the CPU and physically connected to such housing. Additionally or alternatively, all or some of such desirable information could be electronically available from a remotely located transmitter/receiver. For example, as opposed to storing the information in a component physically attached to the golf bag carrier, the information can be provided wirelessly as the need for the information is detected or requested by the golfer. In addition, (A) the detection and monitoring of the identification of the golfer, (B) the interface that shows the results of then-pertinent operational parameters of the apparatus, and (C) the CPU's controlling of the movement of the golf bag carrier, could all be based upon operational parameters previously accessed by the CPU, along with parameters provided by the golfer during play. A listening element can facilitate the ability of the golfer to set such operational parameters.

In its broadest embodiment, the present invention, as depicted in flowchart form in FIG. 7, is a method of controlling a golf bag carrier and otherwise assisting a golfer that includes the steps of (A) providing power to a CPU connected to a golf bag carrier (702), (B) detecting the then-current position of the golf bag carrier (704), (C) detecting objects in and other aspects of the surroundings of the golf course and providing such to the current position estimator (706), (D) receiving golfer relevant information and using the detecting system to provide such information to the CPU (708), (E) determining if the golf bag carrier needs to move from its then-current position (710), (F) communicating instructions from the CPU to the system that powers the movement of the golf course carrier (712), and (G) navigating the movement of the golf bag carrier within the surroundings of the golf course (714). The system preferably has access to desirable predetermined information about the golf course in which such golf bag carrier is to be used, which is used to determine the best path to follow while maintaining a desired relationship to the golfer. The detection of the position of the golf bag carrier is improved by combining object detection (706) with the golf course information. The information about objects in and other detected aspects of the surroundings is provided to the CPU. The determination of movement of the golf bag carrier is based upon information about its then-current position, the objects and surroundings detected, and information about the golfer. The instructions communicated by the CPU to the golf bag carrier's movement powering system are based upon the information available to the CPU.

In a particular embodiment of the present inventive method, the initial provision of the power to the CPU initializes a health and status check of the CPU and pertinent other electronic components. Further, the desirable information about such golf course may include, for example, tee locations, fairway layouts, greens and cup placements, bunkers and sand traps, and out-of-bounds borders. Such information could be displayable on a screen electronically attached to the CPU and the screen is physically attached to the golf bag carrier. Conversely, the screen could be in a handheld device (separate from the golf bag carrier) and wirelessly connected to the CPU. This device could be provided with the cart or be an app on the golfer's phone. This device can additionally store information about the current game and player or past players at the same hole (e.g. where the ball is commonly hit to from the tee, or where an individual most commonly hits the ball every time they play a particular hole). Likewise, an aspect of the surroundings that could be recorded and displayed might include weather forecasts and other environmental conditions (e.g., wind direction and speed).

With respect the navigation of the golf bag carrier, the golf bag carrier can be navigated from its then-current position, distal from the golfer, to a location in proximity of the golfer based upon the CPU available positioning information, the object and surroundings information, and the golfer information. The golfer information may include, for example, aspects of the golfer's appearance, such as the golfer's facial features, clothing and gait. Based upon such information, the golf bag carrier can be assigned uniquely to the golfer with such appearance. In yet another embodiment, the golf bag carrier can be navigated to travel and stop at locations relative to the golfer and to such surroundings based upon the object and surroundings information and the golfer information. When the carrier is a vehicle, the carrier could follow the golfer if the golfer elects to walk certain parts of the golf course as opposed to driving the vehicle. In certain instances, such golfer information may include, for example, the desired default distance to be maintain between the golfer and the golf bag carrier while the golfer is moving, by way of example, between golf ball resting locations.

As a possible override, the golf bag carrier can be navigated to maintain a desired default distance from undesirable objects and areas in the surroundings from which the golf bag carrier is preferably prohibited from travelling. In one embodiment of the present inventive method, the golfer can use audible commands to control the movement of the golf bag carrier to one or more locations that are different from the location to which the golf bag carrier would travel by default. Further, the golf bag carrier can be navigated to a most favorable position possible when the location of the desired default distance is (A) obstructed by objects or (B) in an area of the surroundings in which the golf bag carrier is preferably prohibited from travelling (e.g., at times, golf courses impose ‘golf path only’ rules, in which cases carriers that are vehicles have to stay on the golf paths). In a further embodiment of the present inventive method, the golf bag carrier can be navigated through the use of hand signals. With a particular embodiment of the inventive method, the golf club is automatically navigated to its storage location when the golfer is finished using it.

Additionally, the method may include the step of providing audible commentary based upon the positioning information, the object and surroundings information, and the golfer information. For example, such audible commentary could include the distance between the golfer's ball and the next golf hole. Such audible commentary could also include, by way of further example, a recommendation of the golf club the golfer should preferably use given (A) the distance between the golfer's ball and the next golf hole, (B) the objects and other aspects of the surroundings, and (C) the golfer information (e.g., the average travel distance of a golf ball the golf using a 7-iron).

In other embodiments of the present inventive method, a portion of the desirable information about the golf course is accessible from a remote location. In another, a portion of such desirable information is accessible from a storage element connected to the golf bag carrier.

Further, the navigation of the golf bag carrier can be facilitated by one or more cameras electronically connected to the CPU. In some instances, such cameras may be physically connected to the golf bag carrier. At other times the cameras may be located at various locations throughout the golf course. A more complete arrangement would be to have cameras attached to and detached from the golf bag carrier. Additionally or alternatively, such navigation can be facilitated by one or more radar units, which similar to the possible cameras, could be physically connected to the golf bag carrier, detached therefrom, or a combination where multiple radar units are in use, provided that such radar unit(s) are directly or indirectly electronically connected to the CPU. As a third option, one or more one LIDAR units could be used.

The inventive method might also include the step of communicating between such golf bag carrier and one or more remote locations by means of transmitters/receivers physically connected to the golf bag carrier and electronically connected to the CPU. Additionally or alternatively, the method could include the step of recording the movement of objects through the use of one or more cameras or other means within a desirable distance from the golf bag carrier. Such recorded movement could be, for example, the swing of the golfer and/or the travel of a golf ball.

Additional Thoughts

The foregoing descriptions of the present invention have been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner of ordinary skilled in the art. Particularly, it would be evident that while the examples described herein illustrate how the inventive system may look and how the inventive process may be performed. Further, other elements and/or steps may be used for and provide benefits to the present invention. The depictions of the present invention as shown in the exhibits are provided for purposes of illustration.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling a golf course carrier and otherwise assisting a golfer comprising:

a housing capable of containing electronic components and configured to be mounted on such golf course carrier;

a CPU in such housing that coordinates the operation of such electronic components, wherein such CPU has access to desirable information about a golf course in which such golf course carrier is to be used;

a power source connected to such CPU and such other electronic components;

a first detector that can detect the position of such golf course carrier and track the movement of same, wherein such first detector is electronically connected to such CPU and can detect the position and track the movement of such golf course carrier within the surroundings of such golf course;

a second detector that can monitor the positions of such golfer and objects in and other aspects of such surroundings of such golf course carrier, with such second detector being electronically attached to such CPU and physically connected to such golf course carrier;

an interface electronically connected to the such CPU whereby information can be exchanged between such CPU and such golfer; and

a communications element through which instructions can be communicated between such CPU and the system that powers the movement of such golf course carrier.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein such first detector includes global positioning system (GPS) technology.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein such first detector includes light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein such second detector includes the functionality of at least one camera electronically and such at least one camera is physically connected to such golf course carrier in a position wherein such at least one camera can capture at least one image of such golfer.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein such second detector includes the functionality of at least one radar unit and such at least one radar unit is physically connected to such golf course carrier in a position wherein such at least one radar unit can detect objects in such surrounding of such golf course carrier.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein such second detector includes the functionality of at least one LIDAR unit and such at least one LIDAR unit is physically connected to such golf course carrier in a position wherein such at least one LIDAR unit can detect objects in such surrounding of such golf course carrier.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein such detector can track the movement of a golf ball as such golf ball moves relative to such golf course carrier.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein such interface is physically connected to such golf course carrier in a position where such golfer can readily see information from such CPU.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein such interface comprises a touch screen display monitor.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein such interface comprises at least one listening element.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one audio-producing element electronically attached to such CPU and physically connected to such golf course carrier in a position where the sounds produced by such audio-producing element can be understandably heard by such golfer positioned within a predetermined distance from such golf course carrier.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one listening element electronically attached to such CPU and physically connected to such golf course carrier in a position wherein such listening element can hear such golfer speaking in a conversational level a predetermined distance from such golf course carrier.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein such power source, such first detector, such second detector, and such communications element are physically connected to such housing.

14. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein such at least one camera is movable and has other attributes that facilitate the ability of such at least one camera to substantially maintain a view of such golfer when such golfer is within a predetermined distance from such golf course carrier.

15. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein at least one radar unit is capable of (A) detecting objects and obstacles within the operable range of such radar unit, (B) providing the information necessary for such CPU to calculate the distance between such detected objects and detected obstacles and such golf course carrier, and (C) monitoring the movement of such golf course carrier relative to such objects and obstacles.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein such information about such objects and obstacles received by such CPU is used to control the movement of such golf course carrier.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising second communicating element that can transmits signals between such golf course carrier and a remotely located receiver, where such second communicating element is physically connected to such housing.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the information displayed in the interface includes the distance between a then-current position of a golf ball of such golfer and a hole such golfer is then approaching.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein pertinent information about such golf course in which such golf course carrier is to be used is pre-loaded into a storage means electronically connected to such CPU and physically connected to such housing.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein (A) such second detector facilitates the identification of golfer, (B) such interface shows the results of then-pertinent operational parameters of the apparatus, and (C) such CPU controls the movement of such golf course carrier based upon such operational parameters previously accessible by such CPU and parameters provided by such golfer.

21. A method of controlling a golf course carrier and otherwise assisting a golfer comprising the steps of:

providing power to a CPU physically connected to such golf course carrier and such other electronic components connected to such CPU, where such CPU has access to predetermined information about a golf course in which such golf course carrier is to be used;

detecting a then-current position of such golf course carrier based upon such golf course information and providing such positioning information to such CPU;

detecting objects in and other aspects of such surroundings of such golf course and providing such object and surroundings information to such CPU;

receiving golfer relevant information and providing such golfer information to such CPU;

determining if such golf course carrier needs to move from its then-current position based upon such positioning information, such object and surroundings information, and such golfer information available to such CPU;

communicating instructions from such CPU to a system that powers the movement of such golf course carrier, where such instructions are based upon the information available to the CPU; and

navigating the movement of such golf course carrier within the surroundings of such golf course based upon instructions received from such CPU.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the initial provision of the power to CPU initializes a health and status check of such CPU and pertinent such other electronic components.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein such predetermined information about such golf course includes tee locations, fairway layouts, greens and tee placements, bunkers and sand traps, and out-of-bounds borders.

24. The method of claim 23 comprising the further step of displaying such predetermined information on a screen electronically attached to such CPU.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein such screen is physically attached to such golf course carrier.

26. The method of claim 21 wherein the aspects of such surroundings include weather forecasts.

27. The method of claim 21 wherein such golf course carrier can be navigated from a then-current position distal from such golfer to a location in proximity of such golfer based upon such CPU available positioning information, object and surroundings information, and golfer information.

28. The method of claim 21 wherein such golfer information includes aspects of such golfer's appearance, such as the golfer's facial, clothing and gait information, to uniquely identify that golfer.

29. The method of claim 21 wherein such golf course carrier can be navigated to travel and stop at locations relative to such golfer and to such surroundings based upon such object and surroundings information and such golfer information.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein such golfer information includes a desired default distance to be maintain between such golfer and such golf course carrier while such golfer is moving between locations on the golf course.

31. The method of claim 29 wherein such golf carrier can be navigated to maintain a default distance from designated objects and areas in such surroundings from which such golf course carrier is preferably prohibited from travelling.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein such golfer can use audible commands to control the movement of such golf course carrier to at least one location that is different from the location at such default distance.

33. The method of claim 30 wherein such golf course carrier can be navigated to a most favorable position possible when the location of the default distance is obstructed by the location of undesirable objects.

34. The method of claim 30 wherein such golf course carrier can be navigated to a most favorable position possible when the location of the default distance is in an area of such surroundings in which such golf course carrier is preferably prohibited from travelling.

35. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of providing audible commentary based upon such positioning information, such object and surroundings information, and such golfer information.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein such audible commentary includes the distance between such golfer's ball and the next golf hole.

37. The method of claim 35 wherein such audible commentary includes a recommendation of the golf club such golfer should preferably use given the distance between such golfer's ball and the next golf hole, such object and surroundings information, and such golfer information.

38. The method of claim 21 wherein at least a portion of such predetermined information about such golf course is accessible from a remote location.

39. The method of claim 21 wherein at least a portion of such predetermined information about such golf course is accessible from a storage means connected to such golf course carrier.

40. The method of claim 21 wherein such navigation is facilitated by at least one camera physically connected to such golf course carrier and electronically connected to such CPU.

41. The method of claim 21 wherein such navigation is facilitated by at least one radar unit physically connected to such golf course carrier and electronically connected to such CPU.

42. The method of claim 21 wherein such navigation is facilitated by at least one LIDAR unit physically connected to such golf course carrier and electronically connected to such CPU.

43. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of communicating between such golf course carrier and a remote location by means of transmitter-receiver technology physically connected to such golf course carrier and electronically connected to such CPU.

44. The method of claim 40 further comprising the step of recording the movement of objects through the use of at least one such camera within a desirable distance from such golf carrier.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein the movement recorded is the swing of such golfer.

46. The method of claim 44 wherein the movement recorded is the travel of a golf ball.