US 2009019 1929A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0191929 A1 Nicora (43) Pub. Date: Jul. 30, 2009
(54) GOLF SIMULATOR CONNECTED TO THE Publication Classification INTERNET (51) Int. Cl. (75) Inventor: Daniel AntonioO Nicora,O Temecula, A63F I3/00 (2006.01) CA (US) A63F 9/24 (2006.01) Correspondence Address: (52) U.S. Cl...... 463/3; 473/156 KNOBBE MARTENSOLSON & BEAR LLP 2040 MAINSTREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR (57) ABSTRACT IRVINE, CA 92.614 (US) A system for playing in a simulated indoor golf tournament (73) Assignee: Full Swing Golf, San Diego, CA comprises a web enabled physical golf simulator configured (US) to transmit indoor golf performance data over a computer network during an indoor golf tournament. Tournaments can (21) Appl. No.: 12/357,309 be conducted between players in different locations so that the participants in a given tournament need not be in the same (22) Filed: Jan. 21, 2009 city or country in order to compete. Players need not be O available at the same time in order to compete against each Related U.S. Application Data other. In addition, the tournaments can be conducted live, (60) Provisional application No. 61/062.208, filed on Jan. with all participants competing at the same time, to simulate 24, 2008. the pace of an outdoor golf tournament.
FULL SWING GOLF ONLINE TOURNAMENTS The World's Premiere. Online fridoor Golf Club
Tomaments My Standings Frida Location
Live Game Results map next more... START PLAYING NOW E. Jeff Albers Score: +112 THREE EASYSTEPS Location The Bunker Minnetonka Toumcy REGISTER Floating league WK 7-Torre Datc. 1/22/2008 Title NEW 17:09:59 (3 minutes ago) BECOME O TOURNAMENTS LOCATIONS A PLAYER EVERY WEEK NEAR YOU
Playing now I view Leaderbord Play now! WNER OUR Full Swing Golf Winter Warm up Round 2 Countdown to Jan 28th Harbour Town hrs nins More...
0/09/2007 Full Swing Golf 2007 Fall Tour - FiNAL Net Flight View Leaderboard 2007 Golf Europe Closest to Player Name Location FSG Tour Money (?) the Pin elds in Hole in One Qe, Knut Schlager (ninesvingen Golfsenter 3836.4 FE Roger Nilsson Inlesvlingen Goffsenter 26678:22 Martin Dahl Inneswingen Golfsenter 26486.50 Rob Nelson Big D's 19759.20 Mike Hall Sim Got? 16944.87 Contact Owners/Hosts O2007 Full Swing Golf Online Tournaments Patent Application Publication Jul. 30, 2009 Sheet 1 of 8 US 2009/019 1929 A1
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A624 Patent Application Publication Jul. 30, 2009 Sheet 2 of 8 US 2009/019 1929 A1
ADMINISTRATOR -427 INITIATES TOURNAMENT
227
YES PLAYER ADD -222
PLAYER 2 ADDED TO TOURNAMENT NO
TOURNAMENT- - BEGINS 223
227 PLAYERS PLAYTOURNAMENT
- TOURNAMENT- - ENDS 26
END
FIG. 2 Patent Application Publication Jul. 30, 2009 Sheet 3 of 8 US 2009/019 1929 A1
Patent Application Publication Jul. 30, 2009 Sheet 4 of 8 US 2009/019 1929 A1
FULL SWING GOLF ONLINE TOURNAMENTS
Select Tour leaderboard
Full Swing Golf 2007 FAll Tour International Leaderboard wew Gross Scores leadrboard WAwNet Scores Laderboard by location by Country View leaderboard View Leaderboard
Sirngolf Gross Scorbs NetSo?es United Statas E. Gross Storas NetSaoras GifhubSA Gross Scorps Nil Scots Japan O Gross Scores Nil Sif's Bloomington Indoor Golf Club Gross Scoras Nist Scores Luxembourg Gross Scores Niit Saras Rancho Bernardo R&D Giss Scores, Ni States Australis Gross Scores NetScires Chez Putters Gross Scores Na Stores Norway Gross Scoras NetScores
Go?hub SA Gross Scores NetScores South Africa Gross Scores Net Scores linesvingen Golfsenter Gross Scores Nat Scases Spain Gross Scores NetScores Golg2cfie Gross Scors Nat Scots Swades Gross Stores Nht Storrs Os?or Go?sler Gross Screas Nil Scies Belgiurn Gross Stras Nat Siras City Golf Clubs Gross Sctoras NetSctorias Czech Republk Gross Scores Nat Scores tgolf Clte Gross Scores NelScores Callada Gross Scores NetScores Gol?biz Gross Scores Net Sores Demark Gross Soras NetSo?es gofficentrum Liberec Gross Scores Net Scores England Gross Scores Nitt Scores
Jiba Golf door club Gross Scores NetScores Germally Gross Scores N. Scores Rob Tsuyuki Sross Scors Neil Scores Great Britain Gross Scorbs NHStars Matrogolf Gross Scores Net Scores Hungary Gross Scores NetScofes Cyber Golt Gross Scores Nat SCOrcs World Class Golf Gross Scores NclScores
Sri Sof Gross Scores Na Scores 6 of Riisort Knotickahora Gross Sctres Not Scres ToT Bomb Golf Gross Storys Nat Sories Full Swing Golf Spain Grass Scores Nel Scies s EGS Gross Scoras Neil Scorts Warberg Go?center Gross Scores Net Scores
FIG. 4 Patent Application Publication Jul. 30, 2009 Sheet 5 of 8 US 2009/019 1929 A1
Press SPACESAR or ENTER to activate and use his critir WWTV ONLINE TOURNAMENTS
Tournarents
Full Swing Golf Winter Warm up Round 2 "So E Lindefined
Top I Next Player Name location Date Time Net Score Gross Score S) Tim Ruf 01121/2008 17:16:05 f 2 go Nathan Judge City Golf Clubs 01121/2008 03:44:12 +1/ Imjell Pitch & Putt o1/21/2008 +SF s 9 Frode Knapskog lmjell Pitch & Putt 01121/2008 09:59:17 +8F -- 8 g) Torben Stausholmn melt Pitch & Putt O1122/2008.11:16:53 +6/F 6 soi) Akira M.Masuda plaisir-golf dokyusyuu o 120/2008 +10IF
8 g) Tom E. Anderson Bloomington Indoor Golf Club O1122.2008 13:06:24 +5F 8 g) Ordy Sandbaggers 22 o1/22/200s 13:17:48 +15IF O oilatios 12:19:14 itF Chez Putters o122008 15:38:48 of 2 O
16 go Heath Unwin Cyber Golf orizoos os-23-28 44F 44FEE
Contact Owners Hosts (2007 Fult Swing Golf Online Tournaments
FIG. 5 Patent Application Publication Jul. 30, 2009 Sheet 6 of 8 US 2009/019 1929 A1
FULL SWING GOLF fog into ONLINE TOURNAMENTS a CCourt
Toumaments
Back tool?rnament Detail
All Flights
Player Profile -
L. Martin Dah location inneswingen Golfsenter Date 91242008 Score:-107F
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Help Contact Ownersliosts (2007 Full Swing Golf Online Toumarinents
FIG. 6 Patent Application Publication Jul. 30, 2009 Sheet 7 of 8 US 2009/019 1929 A1
FULL SWING GOLF ONLINE TOURNAMENTS The World's Premiere online Indoor Golf Club
tournaments
Full swing Golf Player's Profile - - -
FullName Michael Bafoed Residence )enmark Height Special interest Weight Education Exempt Status Family Birth Place ContactPlayer
Handicap Index result for member Michael Barfoed Oli24/2008 08:55:5
Current handicap Index 11.9 lowest handicap index 1.9 last 3 gamcs recorded. Type Date Tournament Name Diff T 1 if7f07 12:4). AM Go?hu 3 hogs Nov 2007 14.2 Data T 11ft)7: 12:4 AM Full Swing Golf Tour November 1st Data T 2,201 12:00 AM Full Swing Galfour Deceriber 17th deta Dato Tournament Rank Score Dec 24 Full Swing Golf Tour December 24th + 1 leaderboard Scorecard Dec 17 Fult Swing Golf Tour December 17th 117) -11 aaderboard Scora-card Now S Angle lish Bark Ciale ge T58 --99 leaderboard Sgorrard Now 3 Gol 8 holes; New 2007 T +ss leaderboard Storecard Now 1 Full Swing Golf for November 1st 1. ) + Lisadarboard Scorboard
Help Contact Owners/Hosts (e)2007 Full Swing Golf Online Toumanents
FIG. 7 Patent Application Publication Jul. 30, 2009 Sheet 8 of 8 US 2009/019 1929 A1
s US 2009/019 1929 A1 Jul. 30, 2009
GOLF SIMULATOR CONNECTED TO THE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INTERNET 0012 FIG. 1 shows a golf tournament system. 0013 FIG. 2 shows a set of steps to conduct a tournament. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED 0014 FIG. 3 shows a view of a golf tournament interface. APPLICATIONS 0015 FIG. 4 shows a second view of a golf tournament interface. 0001. The present application claims priority to U.S. Pro 0016 FIG. 5 shows a third view of a golf tournament visional Application No. 61/062,208, filed Jan. 24, 2008. interface. 0017 FIG. 6 shows a fourth view of a golf tournament BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION interface. (0018 FIG. 7 shows a fifth view of a golf tournament 0002 1. Field of the Invention interface. 0003. The present invention relates generally to computer based sports simulators, and more particularly to golf simu (0019 FIG. 8 shows a golf simulator. lators. In particular, the invention relates to a golf simulator DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED connected to the internet. EMBODIMENT 0004 2. Description of the Related Art 0005 Golf is a sport that is continuing to grow in popular 0020 Some embodiments augment golf simulators with ity. One of golf's main attractions to enthusiasts is the con the competitive and Social aspects of the original game. In tinual challenge of improving one's game. To become an Some embodiments of the present invention, golf simulators adept golfer and to maintain golfing proficiency, a significant are connected on a network and users are allowed the oppor amount of practice is required. However, few enthusiasts have tunity to play competitively against one another in tourna the available time required to play full rounds of golf or to mentS. practice hitting golfballs at outdoor driving ranges. To solve 0021. In some embodiments of the present invention, tour this problem, many have found indoor golf simulators to be a naments can be conducted between players in different loca viable alternative. tions so that the participants in a given tournament need not be 0006 Golf simulators have been introduced for providing in the same city or country in order to compete. an indoor facility in which a golfer can practice all aspects of 0022. In some embodiments, players need not be available the golfing game. One example of such a device is disclosed at the same time in order to compete against each other. In in U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,874 to Arnold, et al., which is incor Some other embodiments, the tournaments can be conducted porated herein by reference. A second example of Such a live, with all participants competing at the same time, to device is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/837,289. simulate the pace of an outdoor golf tournament. which is also incorporated herein by reference. 0023. Other aspects and advantages of the present inven tion will become apparent from the following detailed 0007. Many golfers have found using golf simulators to be description, which, when taken in conjunction with the an efficient alternative to developing their golfing skills on accompanying drawings, illustrates by way of example the golf courses; however, the use of Such simulators as enter principles of the invention. tainment devices has not been explored, and advances in the 0024 Aspects of the invention will now be described with art would be desirable. reference to the Figures. Referring first to FIG. 1, a simulator network is shown. Common characteristics of a simulator SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION network include a Wide Area Network (“WAN) 100, mul tiple golf simulators 101, 102, multiple user computers 103. 0008. A method for conducting a virtual golf tournament 104, a scoring computer 105, and a web server 106. The comprising, receiving first data from a first physical golf scoring computer and web server may comprise the same simulator, receiving second data from a second physical golf computer system, and it will further be appreciated that the simulator, calculating, based at least in part on the first data functionality of the devices of FIG. 1 can be placed wholly or and the second data, information related to golf performance partly in any or all of the devices illustrated in FIG. 1. and/or relative ranking of a golf participant, and making the 0025. The golf simulators 101,102 may comprise devices information available to remote users via a computer net according to the Arnold patent and U.S. patent application work. Ser. No. 1 1/837,289, incorporated above. The golf simulators 0009. A method of participating in a simulated golf tour 101, 102, the user computers 103,104, the scoring computer nament comprising, transmitting indoor golf Scoring infor 105, and the web server 106 are connected to a WAN 100 by mation from a physical golf simulator to a server over a computer network protocols and devices that are well-known network and, receiving said indoor golf Scoring information in the art. The WAN 100 is a computer network, e.g. the from a server over a network on a user computer. internet. In some embodiments of the invention, the WAN 100 0010. A method of viewing results of a simulated golf is a Local Area Network (“LAN). In some embodiments, the tournament comprising, receiving indoor golf statistical and/ WAN is a company intranet. In some embodiments the user or player ranking information via a computer network and, computers 103,104 comprise computer terminals configured displaying said indoor golf statistical and/or player ranking to provide a web browser to a user. In some embodiments the information on a user computer. user computers 103, 104 are configured to provide computer 0011. A system for playing in a simulated indoor golf applications that interact with any of the golf simulators 101, tournament comprising, a web enabled physical golf simula 102, the scoring computer 105, and the web server 106, to tor configured to transmit indoor golf performance data over display data related to players use of the golf simulators 101, a computer network during an indoor golf tournament. 102. US 2009/019 1929 A1 Jul. 30, 2009
0026 FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the golf simulator prize money from tournaments or tours that may be sponsored 101 illustrated in FIG. 1. The golf simulator 101 physically or that may require an entry fee to play. simulates the game of golf in the sense that use of the golf 0030 Referring now to FIG.2, a flow chart depicting some simulator 101 requires actually striking a golfball 805 with a of the mechanics of the progression of an indoor golf tourna golf club 806. Typically, such golf simulators 101 will have a ment is shown. In some embodiments of the present inven large display screen 807 that has an image of the golfhole 808 tion, an administrator initiates a tournament 200. In some being played from the Vantage point of the user's position embodiments, the administrator is the owner of the golf simu 809. The golfball 805 will strike the screen 807 after being hit lator or an agent thereof. In some embodiments, the admin by the club 806, and a variety of sensors will compute a golf istrator can be any user of the golf simulator. In some embodi ball trajectory based on the golf ball position, velocity, rota ments, the tournament can be initiated from any of the golf tion, etc. The trajectory will then be displayed on the screen simulators 101,102, the user computers 103,104, the scoring 807 as if the ball 805 were physically moving through the golf computer 105, and/or the web server 106 simulator; however, course. While a user 811 is in the simulator, in some embodi in some other embodiments, the tournament may only be ments the user's likeness may be captured by a video camera initiated from a subset of those devices. 0031. In some cases, various indoor golf facilities are 802 and/or a microphone 801, as described below. This like located in various places around the country or world, just as ness information may be transmitted to another golf simulator there are real outdoor golf courses located in various places 102 to be displayed to a remote user. In the same way, the golf around the country and world. Typically, each facility will simulator 101 may receive likeness information 810 from a have several golf simulators. In a simple competition, two remote golf simulator 102 and incorporate that likeness infor players on two different simulators at the same facility can mation into the displayed image in the screen 807. In this way, initiate their own two player tournament and compete against the user 811 of the golf simulator 101 may be presented with each other while playing at the same time. Because the simu an image and/or audio signals of another golfer 810 who is lators are connected over the network, an updated display of playing on the same course as the user 811. both scores can be provided on the screen, so each can see the 0027. The embodiments described herein are vastly dif other's progress and score as they play. Alternatively, patrons ferent from computer or video golfgames where a computer of a particular facility can create a tournament that takes place keyboard or game controller is used to input shot parameters over a week, month, or other defined period in which they and virtually strike a virtual golf ball. Although such com alone are the participants, and the player scores and current puter games may provide entertainment for limited period of results of the tournament can be updated and made available time until a person has reached a particular level of profi to anyone via the web server. In another tournament format, ciency, interest in the game quickly wanes. In contrast, two different facilities could create a tournament where because a physical golf simulator requires Striking a physical patrons of the two facilities compete against each other on a golf ball with a physical club, the game cannot be mastered team basis. A variety of tournament styles limited to specific for the same reasons outdoor golf cannot be mastered. Room facilities, countries, or unlimited open tournaments in which for improvement and the drive to improve always exists. This anyone can play can be created by the operator of the scoring continual drive to improve can be harnessed with the system system/web server. Prizes could be awarded in a variety of of FIG. 1 in away not previously appreciated or implemented. ways. 0028. Tying indoor physical golf simulators as described 0032. During the initiation of the tournament, the admin above into a communication network with a scoring system istrator will choose settings for the tournament. Such settings and web server as shown in FIG. 1 allows a wide variety of may include whether the tournament is invitation only; the exciting opportunities for indoor golf players. For example, identities of the invitees, if any; inclusion and/or exclusion indoor golf tournaments can be held, where the players can be criteria (e.g. minimum and/or maximum handicap) for play located anywhere in the world that a golf simulator connected ers attempting to join the tournament; the number of players to the system is located. As will be described further below, allowed in the tournament; the course or courses to be played approximately real-time updates to golf Scores of the tourna in the tournament; the number of holes to be played in the ment players as holes are played can be computed by the tournament; the rules of the tournament; the format of the scoring computer and made available in approximately real tournament; any time restrictions on the tournament; the time to tournament participants and spectators alike via the weather and climate settings for the tournament; and many web server. Because scoring data on the different players is other settings related to the golf tournament. received and may be retained and processed by the scoring 0033. After a tournament is initiated 200 or, in some computer, player handicaps and otherindividual statistics can embodiments, during the initiation of the tournament 200, an be computed just as in outdoor golf. Such information can be administrator or a user may add players to the tournament 201 quite detailed, such as average shot distance with a particular until no more players are left to be added. While a player is left club. to be added to the tournament, the relevant interface (e.g. a 0029 More complex competitive organization is also pos golf simulator, 101, 102, or a user computer 103, 104) may sible. For example, a series of multiple tournaments can be prompt the administrator or user to enter information Suffi created where players’ performance over the course several cient to add a player to the tournament 202. Once all of the tournaments can be used to rank players on an indoor golf players are added to the tournament, the tournament begins tour. Yearly or lifetime “winnings' can be computed, tracked, 2O3. and publicized. Player profiles can be created and made avail 0034. Once a tournament has begun 203, players will able via the web server to promote an indoor golf fanbase for begin to play in the tournament 204. The order and manner of skilled indoor golf competitors. Essentially every competi playing will be determined based on the rules and format of tive aspect of outdoor golf can he reproduced with indoor the game as determined during the initiation of the tourna golf, dramatically increasing the usefulness and player enjoy ment 200, and other information that may be provided by the ment of indoor golf simulators. In fact, the present inventions administrator at any time. allow and facilitate the creation of the new professional sport 0035. Because it is indoor golf, tournament play can be of indoor golf, where skilled players can earn a living winning temporally and geographically widespread. Of course, differ US 2009/019 1929 A1 Jul. 30, 2009
ent tournament players can play at different times and at and/or hear that likeness information after the player creating different locations, but in addition an individual player may, the information is no longer using the golf simulator 101,102. for instance, begin a tournament and play the beginning of a 0040. In some embodiments, the audio-visual information tournament in one location, and then finish the same tourna can be made available on user computers 103,104, the scor ment in another location, on a different golf simulator 101, ing computer 105, or on the web server 106. For instance, 102. users at home can look at recorded information to watch the 0036. During a tournament 204, a plurality of users can performance of a playerina previous round. In some embodi play from the same golf simulator 101, 102, or from different ments, the user may use the user's own likeness to display on golf simulators 101, 102. In some embodiments, as each user the web server 106 or elsewhere, or to analyze the user's own completes a hole, data about the score for the hole is uploaded performance. from the golf simulators 101, 102 to the scoring computer 0041. In some embodiments, the audio-visual information 105. The scoring computer 105 is configured to interpret the is sufficient to allow an instructor, watching a user's likeness data received in order to score and record information about on a golf simulator 101,102, on a scoring computer 105, or on the tournament and to rate and record information about the the web server 106, to critique the user's performance, and players. As the tournament progresses, the golf simulators give lessons or tips either live through the golf simulator 101, 101,102 may receive information from the scoring computer 102, live over Some other communication medium, or later, 105 relevant to the ranking and scores of the various players after the user has stopped using the golf simulator. involved in the tournament. In some embodiments, the golf 0042. Once a tournament concludes 205, the golf simula simulators 101, 102 are configured to display information tors 101,102, and/or the user computers 103,104 may present about the tournament to the users of the golf simulators 101, information regarding the completed tournament. The scor 102. In these embodiments, the screen of the golf simulators ing computers, can update the players with the results of the 101, 102, or another display on the golf simulator can display tournament and other statistical information about the tour a leader board with current scores, ranking information, as nament. The players handicaps win counts, win ratios, and well as any other information that is available to users via the other relevant information can be adjusted to reflect the user computers 103, 104. The information displayed on the results of the tournament. Such information is optionally golf simulator can be configured by an administrator or available through the user computers 103,104, the golf simu another person, depending on the rules and format of the lators 101, 102, the web server 106, and/or the scoring com tournament, and other relevant considerations. puter 105. 0037. In addition, the user computers 103,104 can access 0043 Referring now to FIG. 3, a webpage as viewed on a scoring, ranking, and statistical information about ongoing user computer 103, 104 and served by a web server, 106 is and completed tournaments stored on the scoring computer shown. The webpage of FIG. 3 comprises a user interface 105, and/or the web server 106. whereby users of golf simulators 101,102 can register indoor 0038. In some embodiments, some or all of the golf simu golf players, enter tournaments, find geographical locations lators 101, 102 may be equipped with microphones, video of golf simulators 101,102, view statistics and scores relating cameras, still cameras, or other Suitable devices to capture the to players, and view approximately real time information audio-visual information (e.g. visual likeness information regarding scores and standings for tournaments in progress. and audio likeness information) of one ore more users of these 0044) For example, in FIG.3, a player by the name of "Jeff golf simulators 101,102. When such information is available, Albers’ is shown. Jeff Albers is shown to have a Score of +/2, some orall of the golf simulators 101,102, may be configured meaning that his score in the round is one over par after two so that the screen of the golf simulators 101, 102, or another holes played. The user playing as Jeff Albers was playing at display on the golf simulator can present the information “The Bunker” in Minnesota at the time this screen capture including still pictures, video pictures, and/or topographical was taken. At the time of this screen capture, Jeff Albers was pictures of one user of a golf simulator to another user or users playing in a tournament identified as "Floating League Wk of golf simulator(s) 101, 102. Additionally, speakers in the 7 Torre. golf simulators 101,102, may be configured to present audio 0045. This demonstrates of the scoring computer's ability information including captured speech or utterances to a user. to compile the scores of players playing in golf simulators In this way, a user of a golf simulator 101, 102, may be 101, 102 in approximately real-time, and to present tourna presented with a representation of a different user to simulate ment and other scoring information to users of the user com playing a game of golf with another person. In some embodi puters 103, 104 via the web server 106 as live updates. This ments, the video information can be incorporated into the real-time aspect of some embodiments of the inventionallows game so that each player sees each other player in the virtual for a richer user experience, as users of user computers at golf course. Similarly, in some embodiments, auditory infor home 103,104, user computers 103,104 at facilities contain mation may be incorporated into the game so that each player ing golf simulators, and users of golf simulators 101,102 can hears the voice and sounds from other players. These features have immediate updates of the scores of other players, so as to add numerous benefits, as can be appreciated by a person of enhance the Social and competitive aspects of the game. ordinary skill in the art. For instance, in some embodiments in 0046 Referring now to FIG. 4, another webpage as which visual information is transmitted among golf simula viewed on a user computer 103, 104 and served by a web tors 101, 102, in real time or approximately real time, players server 106, is shown. The webpage of FIG. 4 comprises a can watch each other Swing, and watch the motion of each leaderboard for a tour played on golf simulators. The list of other's shots. Players can communicate with other players, leaderboards shown in FIG. 4 is accessible from the webpage for instance players can communicate congratulatory state shown in FIG.3 by selecting the “View Leaderboard” hyper ments, statements of frustration, comments as to strategy link visible in FIG. 3. The list of leaderboards in FIG. 4 (e.g., which club to use), trash-talk comments, or any other presents accessible leaderboards by Location on the left side Sound that could normally be communicated among players of the screen and by Country on the right side of the screen. A at a traditional golf course. user may select any location or country to see the scores of all 0039. In some embodiments, the audio-visual information of the players involved who have been playing at the selected can be stored, so that players playing at different times can see location. US 2009/019 1929 A1 Jul. 30, 2009
0047 Referring now to FIG. 5, a webpage as viewed on a 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information com user computer 103, 104 and served by a web server 106, is prises a handicap. shown. The webpage of FIG. 5 comprises a leaderboard for a 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data comprises golf tournament. This leaderboard, which would be updated a number of player profiles. live in normal use, displays the up-to-date scores and other 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data comprises details about users involved in a tournament. The Player information about the physical movement of a golf ball. Name, Location, Date, Time, Net Score, and Gross Score are accessible for each player in the tournament The list may be 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first physical golf filtered by buttons on the right to show all players, only simulator and the second physical golf simulator are in dif players of a user-selected country, only players in a user ferent cities. selected location, or only players in a user-selected user 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving group. audio and/or visual information from a first physical golf 0048 Referring now to FIG. 6, a webpage as viewed on a simulator, and transmitting the likeness information to a sec user computer 103, 104 and served by a web server 106, is ond physical golf simulator. shown. The webpage of FIG. 6 comprises the leaderboard of 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising making the FIG. 5, wherein the user has selected the speech-bubble sym audio and/or visual information available to remote users via bol to the left of the player name: “Martin Dahl. In this view, a computer network. the user can see more information about the player Martin 8. A method of participating in a simulated golf tournament Dahl, including a score card listing the player's score versus comprising: par for each hole played in the tournament. This data is also updated live, and available for users including teammates, transmitting indoor golf scoring information from a physi opponents, and fans of the player to watch the player's cal golf simulator to a server over a network and; progress over time. receiving said indoor golf Scoring information from a 0049 Referring now to FIG. 7, a webpage as viewed on a server over a network on a user computer. user computer 103, 104 and served by a web server 106, is 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising transmitting shown. The webpage of FIG. 7 comprises statistics for a audio and/or visual information from a physical golf simula single player, “Michael Barfoed. This view is accessible by tor over a network. selecting the hyperlink associated with a player name from 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving the home page (FIG. 3) or from any leaderboard on which the visual information from a physical golf simulator over a net player's name appears (e.g. FIG. 6). From this view, a user work, and displaying the visual information on a display in may learn details about a given player, including the player's the physical golf simulator. past performance in tournaments and other play, the player's country of residence, and other biographical information the 11. A method of viewing results of a simulated golf tour player's user provides. From this view, a user may also see the nament comprising: player's handicap. receiving indoor golf Statistical and/or player ranking 0050. The skill involved in playing a golf simulator trans information via a computer network and; lates to playing traditional golf outside and a player's skill in displaying said indoor golf statistical and/or player ranking a golf simulator is highly correlated with a player's skill in information on a user computer. actual games of golf. Because of this, some golf courses that 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving require golfers to have established handicaps before they are audio and/or visual information of a player and displaying the allowed to play the courses may start to accept handicaps likeness information on a computer display. from golf simulators as evidence of the player's skill in the 13. A system for playing in a simulated indoor golf tour traditional game of golf. A player wishing to play golf at Such nament comprising: a golf course could use the Player Profile display of FIG. 7 to Verify the player's golf simulator handicap and thereby gain a web enabled physical golf simulator configured to trans access to the course. mit indoor golf performance data over a computer net 0051. Other embodiments of the invention will be appar work during an indoor golf tournament. ent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the physical golf specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. simulator further comprises a display configured to display What is claimed is: golf performance data from other web enabled physical golf 1. A method for conducting a virtual golf tournament com simulators during an indoor golf tournament. prising: 15. The system of claim 14 further comprising a video receiving first data from a first physical golf simulator; camera and/or a microphone configured to capture likeness receiving second data from a second physical golf simula information of a player in the web enabled physical golf tor; simulator. calculating, based at least in part on the first data and the 16. The system of claim 15, further configured to transmit second data, information related to golf performance the likeness information over a computer network during an and/or relative ranking of a golf participant; and indoor golf tournament. making the information available to remote users via a computer network. c c c c c