WO2017197354A1

WO2017197354A1 - Golf ball dispenser system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2017197354A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/032541
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey L. ARNOLD; Frank F. HSIN
Original assignee: Jla Marketing Group, Llc
Priority date: 2016-05-13
Filing date: 2017-05-12
Publication date: 2017-11-16

Abstract

A golf ball dispensing system (GBDS) and related method is provided with a golf ball dispenser (GBS), a mobile user computing device (UCD), and related location (e.g. global positioning system or "GPS") sensors and wireless antennas for communication over a wireless communications network. A co-location system (CLS) is provided, e.g. via at least one GPS sensor, to recognize when the UCD is proximately co-located with the GBD. A user transaction is initiated via a user interface of the UCD in response at least in part to the co-location determination. Golf balls dispensed by the GBD in response to a user input are uniquely configured in relationship to the user transaction initiated via the UCD and in response to the co-location determination. User transactions are initiated or conducted via a UCD when co-located with certain such golf balls, and in relation to one or more features of such co-located golf balls.

Description

GOLF BALL DISPENSER SYSTEM AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to golf ball dispenser systems and methods. In certain particular aspects, it relates to golf ball dispenser systems and methods that provide golfer user interfaces via wireless connections with mobile user computing devices and location sensors (such as via global positioning system or "GPS" sensors).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram for certain aspects of a golf ball dispenser system (GBDS) and related inter-cooperating components according to one example under this disclosure.

[0003] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram for certain other aspects of a hosted GBDS environment golf ball dispenser system according to another example under this disclosure, and which may incorporate or further relate to aspects of the system shown in FIG. 1.

[0004] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of certain interactive cooperating components, including a user interface, of a hosted GBDS environment according to further aspects of this disclosure.

[0005] FIGS. 4A-J shows progressive screen shots, respectively, of a user interface of a mobile user computing device (UCD) according to a hosted GBDS environment according to still another example under this disclosure, and which may incorporate or further relate to the system examples shown in FIGS . 1-3.

[0006] FIG. 5 shows a picture of a golf ball configured according to another example under this disclosure and for interactive use by a golfer user of the hosted GBDS environment.

[0007] FIG. 6 shows a picture of an "iBeacon" that is co-located with a GBD and in wireless communication with a UCD of a golfer user for determining a proximate co-location of the UCD with the GBD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure shown schematically in FIG. 1, a golf ball dispenser system (GBDS) 1 includes a golf ball dispenser (GBD) 2 with a GBD reservoir 3, a volume of golf balls 4 in the GBD reservoir 3, a GBD port 5, and a GBD operating system (GBD-OS) 6 comprising a GBD user interface 7 and a GBD controller 8. The GBD user interface 7 is configured to receive a GBD user input from a user (e.g . golfer) 10, such that the GBD controller 8 is configured to dispense the volume of golf balls 4 from the GBD reservoir 3 and through the GBD port 5 in response to the GBD user input. It is further appreciated, as shown by example in FIG. 1, that a GBD may include multiple such GBD ports for golf ball dispensing (e.g. into buckets shown), either from a common or separate such reservoirs, and via user inputs via a common or separate such user interfaces for such user inputs.

[0009] A GBD locator (GBDL) 11 is also provided with a GBD processor 13 that communications via a wireless GBD antenna 15 over a wireless communication network 20. As also shown, in further examples GBDL 11 may also include a global positioning system (GPS) sensor or "GBD-GPS" 17 (which may be provided via, or in addition to, GBD antenna 15), and is configured to at least in part determine the location of GBD 2 via GPS coordinates. While using such a GPS sensor and coordinate basis for location identification is considered a highly beneficial embodiment, other position or location sensor or identification approaches may also be employed in other embodiments. The GBD processor 13 may be coupled to the respective GBD antenna 15 and/or GBD-GPS 17 directly, or indirectly (e.g . via intervening circuitry, or other processor or memory resource storing information measured by the respective sensors and then retrieved by GBD processor 13) .

[0010] As also shown in FIG. 1, a mobile user com puting device (UCD) 30 of user 10, which may be for example a "PDA" or cellphone, 'smart' watch, etc. (as also elsewhere herein further described), also includes a UCD antenna 32 which is used by a UCD processor to also communicate via wireless communication network 20. In certain further embodiments, UCD 30 may also include or be coupled to a UCD-GPS sensor 34 (which may be provided via, or in addition to, UCD antenna 32), and is thereby configured to at least in part determine the location of UCD 30 via its respective GPS coordinates.

[0011] It is appreciated according to the present embodiments, as also further developed herein, that GBDL 11 and UCD 30 together thus provide a system that is configured and operable to transmit and/or receive information via wireless communication network 20 that is processed to determine a proximate co-location between user 10 with GBDS 1 within a pre-determined range. This determination is thus then processed as an input to initiate or conduct a user transaction for user 10 via a UCD user interface of UCD 30.

[0012] The example shown in FIG. 1 also shows at least one remote processor system (RPS) 40 that may also be provided, which will generally be located remotely at a different location than the GBD 2 or UCD 30. RPS 40 will typically comprise, as shown, a RPS computer processor 42 coupled to a wireless RPS antenna 44 in a configuration that is thus also operable to communicate either directly or indirectly (e.g. in downstream communication from another receiver system) via the wireless communication network 20. In certain embodiments, at least one wireless location signal transmitted by at least one of UCD 30 or GBDL 11 includes information related to the location of at least one of UCD 30 and GBDS 1, respectively, and is received by RPS 40. RPS computer processor 42 then processes the information to determine a proximate co-location between GBD 2 and UCD 30 within a predetermined range, and then further communicates with UCD 30 over network 20 to initiate a user transaction by user 10 via UCD 30 based on the determined co-location .

[0013] It is appreciated that RPS 40, as a system, may perform such operations via one computer processor, e.g. RPS computer processor 42, or such operations may be performed separately by separate processors in a network or otherwise cooperating along the various steps of information processing and/or communications (and all of which may not necessarily be coupled to an antenna or the network 20). For example, the co-location determination may be performed by one processor, whereas initiation or conducting the user transaction may be performed by another processor. In fact, it is further appreciated that certain of such operations, or even all of them, may also be performed without use of such an RPS and via one or more processor provided via the UCD 30 and/or GBDL 11.

[0014] The example as thus shown and described by reference to FIG. 1, and as may apply similarly to other examples and embodiments elsewhere described herein, thus provides an inter-cooperating network of component assemblies and parts that, together, comprise and perform as a co-location processing system (CLS) that is configured and operated to determine when a proximate co-location is achieved between the GBD 11 and user 10 via his/her UCD 30. Accordingly, it is appreciated that other CLS approaches may also be suitably employed to this end - determining a co-location of a golfer user of the system and a golf practice facility, e.g . GBD - without departing from the broad aspects intended to be encompassed by this disclosure.

[0015] For example, GBDL 11 may merely be a transmitter that transmits a wireless signal that is encoded with or otherwise comprises a unique identification (ID) that is uniquely assigned to and identifies the GBDL 11 (or identifies GBDLs of a class that is identified for the GBD co-location purpose of these embodiments) . This may be performed, for example, by a simple RF or bluetooth emitter, according to many choices of commercially available options (e.g. iBeacon), as also further developed below. Such wireless signal might thus be received via network 20 by UCD 30 when UCD 30 is co- located within a pre-determined range of GBDL 11. The proximate co- location is thus determined upon such receipt of that signal from the GBDL 11 by UCD 30. This recognition may be performed by the UCD processor provided with UCD 30, or via further communication and involvement of RPS 40. Moreover, it is appreciated further variations could be suitably employed, such as for example reversing the location signal to be transmitted from UCD 30 to GBDL 11, such that a processor of GBDL 11 then determines the co- location (or via, again, further communication and processing involvement of RPS 40).

[0016] In still a further example, the respective GBD-GPS 17 and UCD-GPS 34 sensors may be used to generate respective first and second sets of GPS coordinates, which are then processed to determine a distance between them, which may then be processed to determine the co-location within the pre-determined range. Yet another example contemplates that the respective locations for golf ball dispensers are typically fixed at a location for a fairly permanent or at least semi-permanent period of time - or at least the driving range facility has a permanent or semi-permanent location .

Accordingly, a location for a given GBD (or its respective facility), can be predetermined and saved in a GBD location database (e.g. GDB-GPS

coordinates). Further to this example, GBDL 11 might thus not even be required - at least not at the time of the actual co-location with user 10 and/or UCD 30. Accordingly, only the location of the UCD 30 is required to be determined in order to compare that against the stored location for the GBD 2 to determine the proximate co-location between them . This provides the distinct benefit of enabling many of the broad aspects, and more particular modes and embodiments, of the present disclosure to be carried out with existing GBD systems and driving range facilities, without requiring any installation or technical requirements - merely a stored record of its location. Moreover, such record may be established by many means. In one such example, this may be provided and accessed as publicly available records of facilities (e.g. cross-reference to geographic mapping resources providing such locations, e.g. Google Maps, for example) . Or, a location sensor (e.g. GPS), such as a UCD, may be co-located at a respective GBD or facility to determine that location's coordinates, which are then stored in the database - thus thereafter removing the requirement for any such continued location identifier for the site in relation to the GBD.

[0017] In one such further embodiment, for illustration and according to such modes described above for example, UCD-GPS 34 (or other form of location identifier for UCD 30) is used to determine the respective location coordinates for the UCD 30, which is then processed by the CLS for comparison against the known location coordinates for GBD 2 for performing the determination . Still again in this example, as with others, that CLS arrangement and method carried out may comprise the involvement of the UCD processor, or RPS processor, a processor with the GBD, or other suitable substitutes. However, in one particularly beneficial embodiment, the UCD 30 location coordinates are communicated via network 20 to RPS which performs the co-location determination . Further to this specific example, and others involving use of RPS 40, a distinct benefit is recognized by providing the ability for a third party hosting or operating the RPS 40 to exercise a certain control over the co-location determination . This benefit includes, for example, the downstream effect of such determination when it triggers an authorization and/or initiation of the respective user transaction via the UCD 30 - which may often be desirable to control by a remote host.

[0018] It is yet further appreciated that, despite reference herein to co- location determinations with GBDs, such may be determined not directly with a particular GBD per se, but instead with a facility recognized to house a GBD - e.g . golf driving range or practice facility. Accordingly, the co-location determination is established when the UCD is within a predetermined range of the facility's location . As described elsewhere herein by reference to GBD location determination, e.g. GBDL 11, stored record of location coordinates, etc., such embodiments may similarly be applied for purpose of facility location determination .

[0019] It is also appreciated that UCD 30 may comprise a variety of different types of computer devices. This may include, for example a cellular phone or PDA, tablet, laptop, personal computer (PC), terminal computer, or wearable computing and/or communication device (and as elsewhere herein described). However, in most embodiments the purpose of UCD 30 is for purpose of co-location with the user 10 to determine when he/she is at a driving range - and thus will typically, and most beneficially, be a mobile computing device such as cell phone, PDA, smart watch, etc.

[0020] It also appreciated that the 'processors' herein described may take many different forms to suit a particular purpose. Such may be, for example, a computer processor configured to process computer software instructions stored in a non-transitory storage medium, may be imbedded within the architecture of a processor, or may be provided in another local or peripheral storage medium provided therewith. According to still another embodiment, a separate computing or storage medium device (not shown) may be provided for detachable coupling to another computer processor, such as for example at plug in 'dongle' to the UCD 30 that interfaces with its internal processor, or to a GBD processor. Various types of such connections can be suitable for such purpose, including for example USB or other form of detachable memory or other peripheral resource computer coupling. Such plug-in device may have instructions stored therein for performing the various operations contemplated among the various embodiments described herein at UCD or GBD level of an inter-cooperative, hosted environment. Such plug-in device may also include other functionality and related architecture, including for example a wireless antenna and related interface (e.g . transmit/receive) capabilities.

[0021] The respective antennas, and/or related wireless communications, as herein described among the embodiments may also take many suitable forms to suit various particular chosen applications. Such may include, for example, global system for mobile communications (GSM), Bluetooth™ (for example using short-wavelength ultra-high frequency or "UHF" radio waves, e.g. in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz, and/or as may be described under the Bluetooth Special Interest Group or "SIG" standards, and/or as may be described by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or "IEEE" standards, e.g. IEEE 802.15.1), Wi-Fi (e.g. based on one of the 802.11 standards developed by the IEEE and/or as adopted by the "Wi-Fi Alliance"), or other form of suitable communication platform (and as the foregoing would also apply to other wireless communications referenced elsewhere herein) . In one regard, such configuration and functionality described above for a plug-in device my instead be provided via another wireless connection between a peripheral device and the UBD and/or GBDL. In another regard, similar to other embodiments elsewhere herein described, this wireless connectivity of such a peripheral device may be connected and communicate directly to the wireless communication network 20, and thereby to UCD 30, and/or to a processor of GBD 2 or GBDL 11, even if not technically provided as an RPS 40 (e.g. is also co-located with UCD 30 and GBD 2).

[0022] In another embodiment, a 'thin client app' is provided as a list of instructions for processing by the UCD computer processor of UCD 30 for purpose of providing the respective UCD user interface to communicate within a hosted communication and/or processing environment hosted by RPS 40. Such may relate to the co-location determination, and/or user transaction initiated or conducted based on that determination.

[0023] In still a further embodiment, the CLS (such as elsewhere herein described) may be configured to determine the co-location based upon the GBD user input to initiate a golf ball dispensing. In this regard, a unique user identification (ID) that uniquely identifies the user is provided via or in response to the GBD user input to the GBD user interface 7. By thus identifying the user 10 as the party providing the GBD user input, the co- location with the GBD is thus determined . Such may be accomplished, for example, via many modern GBD systems that operate by insertion of a 'range ball card' of the user 10 - such as providing a magnetic strip encoded with the user ID, and as may often for example be associated through the pre-paid account that is charged against by the GBD-OS for each golf ball dispensing initiated by the user 10. In such cases, the GBD-OS may be configured in communication with the UCD 30, or RPS 40, or via its own computer processor, to determine the co-location. The resulting user transaction triggered by that determination may again be performed by the same or different processor as is configured to perform the co-location determination . In one such example, for illustration, the GBD user interface 7 receives the range card with unique id for the user 10, which is recognized by GBD-OS 6, then communicated by GBD-OS 6 to a separate processor (which may under RPS 40, which may be either wireless or wired in its connection, or within UCD 30) that determines or recognizes the co-location, and that then initiates the user transaction .

[0024] Certain embodiments and examples described herein illustrate certain (though not all) further aspects of this disclosure, in which the UCD 30 is configured to transmit a signal and/or information which is used to determine the location of UCD 30 (and/or user 10 itself) . In one still further examples (and which may be applicable in combination with others), user 10 can initiate a co-location determination transaction via a UCD user input to the UCD interface. It is upon and in response to such input that the co- location determination is triggered and performed . For example, a UCD user input performed when the user 10 is co-located with the GBD 2 might trigger the UCD location sensor (e.g. UCD-GPS 34) to 'ping' the UCD location for coordinates, and initiate the process for the co-location determination .

Between any such UCD user inputs, the CLS, and any such related

components (e.g. GBDL 11), may be 'quiet' - thus saving bandwidth, charge energy (e.g. battery powered beacon), etc.

[0025] It is also appreciated that numerous variations of the various features and embodiments herein described may be chosen and implemented to accommodate certain particular capabilities or features of different GBD or UCD types, and may thus vary between such types. For example, for some GBDs with electronically controlled GBD user interface 7 and/or computer processor interface for GBD-OS 6, a range card input (as described above) may trigger the co-location determination and user transaction . Whereas for other GBDs without that capability, and/or which may not be pre-identified by their location in a database, a GBDL 11 with wireless location sensors and/or communications may be used.

[0026] The coupling of RPS 40, and/or UCD 30, and/or GBDL 11, to wireless communication network 20 may be via a direct connection, e.g. via the respective antennas connected to network 20. Moreover, such antennas may be further coupled with respective transmitters, and/or receivers, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill . Or, such coupling may be indirect by including other communication channels located downstream of the wireless communication network 20 on which respective information is transmitted and received . This may include, for example, wired connections, and/or other additional wireless communications networks that re-transmit such information previously received upstream of the information flow. It is appreciated however that UCD 30 in particular will most typically be a mobile computing device, and thus most typically strictly wireless in its

communications.

[0027] It is thus also appreciated that the coordinated flow of the

information provided in a communication information packet, from its original transmission ultimately to a processor, e.g. under RPS 40, may also take a number of different specific forms to ultimately trigger and/or conduct the user transaction . For example, the user transaction - to the extent involving exchange of information - may be conducted via parallel or separate communications to or between each of the RPS 40 and UCD 30, and may involve other intervening processors and related communications

connections.

[0028] As one of ordinary skill would appreciate according to the foregoing, modern mobile computing devices such as UCD 30, and related

communications, are highly controlled and with encoded identifiers etc.

Accordingly, I D information such as I P addresses, user account information, mobile or cellular phone numbers, etc. may be used according to the present embodiments for purpose of identifying and communicating between such resources as contemplated.

[0029] User Transaction

[0030] A broad array of different types of user transactions may be initiated or conducted according to the various embodiments herein described, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill . In fact, the initiation or conduct of a user transaction may itself take many forms, including for example authorizing a user transaction to be performed by user 10 via UCD 30.

[0031] In certain highly beneficial aspects of this disclosure, the user transaction relates to a status of the user, or on the user's behalf, in a contest. Such contests may take many forms, and may have for example different sub-categories, types, or levels that may be further associated with various embodiments of this disclosure, such as in relation to co-location determinations and user transactions that are initiated and/or conducted in relation thereto. Such user contest status may be, for example, an entry in the contest; or, in other examples, may relate to an assigned contestant status associated with the user 10 within the contest. Certain such embodiments may include, for example, establishing or maintaining user 10 as a contestant in the contest, or at a particular level of the contest (in cases where there may be different levels, e.g. with different prizes). A contest entry may be initiated in many ways. Certain such embodiments may be, for example, by a 'push' to the UCD 30 of certain information, or may be in other embodiments by making UCD user input options available to the user 10 to initiate the entry. Or, the UCD user interface may provide one or more paths or screen options for user 10 to initiate the entry, but may be blocked or such entry may be otherwise only authorized upon the co-location determination. In such circumstance, the authorization is triggered by the co-location determination - and the entry is actually done by the user 10. User 10 may also be presented with certain choices as part of the user transaction, e.g. between contests, choices to accumulate points (from discrete 'user transactions' or recognized 'practice events') toward different contest or prize options. Such choices may not be revealed until the 'user transaction' is initiated, or they may be revealed but not selectable until the 'user transaction' is initiated.

[0032] A contest as herein contemplated may also be conducted in many ways, such as for example a 'drawing' among multiple contestants for a prize, or a 'lottery' format - such as for example receiving or assigning a certain combination of numbers for an entry and randomly generating the winning combination of numbers (to which chances of winning or losing may be agnostic to number of contestants, though prize levels may be adjusted by multiple winners in certain applications). Certain such contests may also be conducted electronically. For example, GBDS 1 may further include a computer writable and readable database of user accounts associated with multiple users, which may require for example a subscription, and include unique identifiers (ID) for each such user, and records of contest entries associated with each such user. Such records are used to establish the respective users' contest level (to extent different levels are provided) and entries in such contest, and used to determine the contest winner(s) and associated prize(s) . Other aspects that may be integrated or involved in such process and system include levels, amounts, quality, or other information or aspects of reward points earned, purchases made, survey questions asked and answered, etc. Other functional implements may also be incorporated into the present systems and methods, such as creating and/or sharing a repository, e.g. "Box™" or "DropBox™" folder for sponsors to place and or change pre-determined, on demand (in real time) questions - and which may at least in part provide or relate to such databases. Such database management and contest operations may be performed, for example, by RPS 40.

[0033] According to further embodiments, the GBDS 1 is configured and operable to initiate and/or conduct a user transaction (such as such contest entries) via the UCD 30 subject to certain constraints or guidelines based on certain criteria recognized under the system and its related methods.

[0034] According to certain such embodiments, in a computer hosted environment (such as controlled by RPS 40), a user transaction is authorized or initiated only upon a limited number of instances over time, e.g. once every n days, hours, weeks etc. (wherein n is a number) . Accordingly, for a co-location determination that does not meet such criteria (e.g . too close in time to a prior co-location determination), the user transaction may not be performed. Such embodiments as described above illustrate, for example, controlling or metering the number of user transactions based on the frequency of GBD dispensings or facility visits (e.g. a "practice event") . Such metering may be based upon a practice event frequency that is particular to a specific GBD, or to a specific driving range or practice facility housing one or more such GBDs, or may be based on any GBD or such facility recognized by the system as a practice event.

[0035] In still further embodiments, such user transactions may be adjusted to comprise different specific transactions based upon certain determined criteria. For example, different classes or categories of user transactions (e.g . contest entries or levels or prizes associated with such entries) may be associated with different frequencies of GBD user inputs or co-location determinations.

[0036] In yet still further embodiments, the contest hosted under the system comprises other requirements that are separated from the co-location determinations between the user 10 (e.g. via UCD 30) and GBD 2. For example, such a contest may require the user 10 to conduct certain other transactions within the environment separate from a 'practice event.' In one such example, one or more questions presented within the environment to the user 10 must be answered in order to establish or maintain the user 10 in the contest, or at a particular level in the contest. In still further examples, the user 10 must answer such questions at a pre-determined frequency (e.g . X number of questions within Y period of time) in order to establish or maintain participation or entry in the contest or contest level .

[0037] Sponsors and Golf Ball Indicia

[0038] Further aspects of this disclosure also contemplate certain distinct benefits of the co-location determination between golfers (e.g. user 10) and practice facilities, and in the ability uniquely harness and focus various benefits related to that location, including engaging such golfers in

relationships with golf-related vendors, social media, and other parties, and uniquely targeted (a) marketing of products and/or services and/or (b) gathering of market intelligence particularly representing golfers based on their activity at practice facilities. For example, golfers who are more active at practice facilities might be targeted for a particular type or class (e.g . higher end) equipment or other offerings, e.g . tournaments etc., versus golfers who are less active who might be targeted with different offerings. "Big data" is thus generated and harnessed by the current systems and methods, as further developed herein and as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill based on this disclosure.

[0039] According to certain modes under such aspects, user transactions initiated according to embodiments elsewhere herein described may be associated with sponsor entities that wish to take advantage of uniquely targeted access to golfers via their respective practice events. In certain such embodiments, contests (such as elsewhere described herein) may be sponsored by such sponsors - either by the prizes awarded representing a product or service of that sponsor, or simply associating the sponsor to the user contestant as the sponsor of that contest and respective prizes. In still further embodiments, such sponsors also provide indicia on golf balls 4 dispensed to the user 10 via GBD 2. In still further such embodiments, a plurality of n sponsors subscribe to a hosted contest via the current environment and system, each providing respective indicia on a subset of golf balls 4. In still further embodiments, a contest environment is hosted by PS 40 in which each of n such sponsors hosts a respective contest within the hosted contest environment. In still further aspects of such embodiments, each such sponsor also hosts certain questions that are queries to user 10 as a condition for establishing or maintaining contest participation and/or entries (and/or at particular contest levels). User answers to the queries may be further used by the system, e.g . via RPS 40, to update the user profile, such as for example to further parse and direct other future queries, or other interactive aspects of the user participation under the hosted environment (e.g . targeted marketing and/or sales or promotional offers, etc., based on profiling of the user from the query answers, etc.).

[0040] It is further appreciated that a hosted environment around GBDS 1 according to the various embodiments herein described, such as shown in FIG. 2, may thus comprise an RPS 40 that hosts, conducts, communicates, in a wide array of transactions involving multiple users 10, according to multiple respective practice events at multiple respective facilities and respective GBDs, and also multiple potential sponsors and related imprinted golf balls and/or sponsored contests. Accordingly, by way of further illustration, FIG. 2 shows a hosted GBDS environment 50 that is hosted by one or more computer processors (e.g. via RPS 40 as shown), with multiple respective users and GBDs involved in multiple GBDS 1 locations and instances (such as according to FIG. 1), and with multiple sponsors 60 which may for example sponsor indicia printed golf balls and/or contests, respectively, such as elsewhere herein described .

[0041] The various aspects and embodiments herein described, such as in relation to a GBDS 1, hosted GBDS environment 50, related systems such as CLS or RPS thereunder, may be provided, hosted, and maintained according to a wide variety of particular implementations, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill . However, in one particularly beneficial implementation, such as illustrated in certain aspects of FIG. 1, the respective hosted GBDS environment 50 is securely operated via one or more computer processors or servers. Such processors or servers will also typically interface with one or more databases, which may include multiple separate or networked databases, to support the various activities conducted within the

environment. Generally, the database will include, among other things, stored records corresponding to : registered user, sponsor, golf practice facility, or other form of member lists, and their associated membership and respective identifying information, payment information, and certain permissions or other assignments or levels that may also be structured into the system and associated therewith (e.g. contest levels, entries, frequency or specific recorded practice events) . This may also include diagnostic information, such as practice event locations, frequency, or other patterns, query answer patters, etc., as accessed or transacted through the hosted environment. Moreover, with appropriate permissions if and as may be required (and related hosted transactions conducted to establish such), other information related to a given user may also be accessed and cross- referenced to the user interactions hosted directly within the hosted GBDS environment 50. For example, various aspects of UCD 30 use may be tracked such as web searching patterns, purchasing patterns, social networking, GPS location information, etc. - and tied in valuable ways to other information generated in the environment itself. Moreover, the information generated within the hosted GBDS environment may also be shared to other entities seeking such further insights and/or combinations with other information .

[0042] Such user data and information may become valuable and

leveragable for many different purposes, including broader golfer community or even more broad societal or community assessments, or more customized purposes such as establishing and using user 'profiles' based on such information (such as, for example, for purpose of determining targeted marketing and/or advertising based on such profiles).

[0043] The hosted environment according to such present aspects and embodiments will also typically provide a user interface for each of the respective members, delivered via their own respective computing devices connected to that environment. The interfacing computing devices will typically provide a user input interface (e.g . keyboard or keypad, touch screen, mouse, etc.) and a user output interface, such as a display (and may include for example touch screen display providing both input and output interface functionality). According to one highly beneficial more detailed embodiment, the environment includes a software- based application or 'app' that is downloadable via internet connectivity by user members. In still further beneficial embodiments, such app provides the user mem ber access to (and interface/navigation within) the environment via a touch icon on a touch screen of a mobile computing device, such as for example a mobile phone or notepad, with wireless internet connectivity. Prior to or with download of the environment 'app,' members will typically subscribe to and/or register within the environment. While such subscriptions may take many different forms and requirements to suit a particular need, in some examples subscription fees may be required. In some embodiments, this may be limited to an authorized member, e.g . administrator, for a group. For example, an adult member of a family (e.g. father/husband and/or mother/wife) may have administrator privileges for an account under which children may also be members able to participate within the hosted environment (e.g. contests), but where only the administrator can change account information, settings, pricing and/or payment authorizations, social networking links through the environment, etc. Moreover, other agreements may be required to certain policies and procedures such as with respect to ensuring privacy, security, appropriate content and other practices in the respective conduct within the environment.

[0044] It is appreciated that many more specific examples may be implemented and manifest various aspects of the present embodiments. One such example is provided, for purpose of illustration, in certain figures.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates certain further examples of a system architecture for providing and supporting a hosted GBDS environment 100, and considered applicable under the various embodiments elsewhere herein described. More specifically, one or more servers or processors, such as RPS 40 of the FIG. 1 embodiment, operate according to a set of instructions to perform various operations supporting a user interface system that includes a user input interface and a user output interface provided generally as a display. A user may access the hosted GBDS environment 100, such as via web access, and which may be for example via "cloud"-hosted application, and/or which may entail wireless connectivity such as via wireless

communication network 20 shown . This is accomplished via a User

Computing Device ("UCD") 516 that may be for example as according to the examples shown in FIG. 3, but will typically be most highly desirable a mobile computing device, such as for example cellphone or PDA, or smart watch, for purpose of the various operations and communications conducted with a user at a driving range and/or GBD for a practice event. However, it is

contemplated that certain other aspects of the user interface under the hosted environment may be performed elsewhere outside of a GBD practice facility and on less mobile devices, eg . laptop, tablet, desktop/PC, terminal etc. (such as account access, updates, browsing, answering queries, etc.). The user interface/display 520 (and as would also suitably apply to UCD 30 referenced elsewhere herein) may take many different specific forms, generally with one or more windows serving particular purposes within the managed user interface environment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a window of the display provides a "toolbar" 530 that comprises a number of N features (e.g. graphical features, e.g. identifiable "icons") that may be selected by a user for further operation according to the respective features' intended uses. An interactive viewing window 540 of the display, and which in some embodiments also provides a user input interface, provides functionality for the operations invoked by selecting one or more of the features. For further illustration, a number of N panes (which may be the same or a different number than the N features) are provided in the interactive viewing window, and to allow different interactive operations to be performed in each pane in relation to the features selected from the toolbar. For example, one or each of multiple user functions, such as elsewhere herein described, may be represented and invoked by respective icon features in the toolbar, either separately or in parallel - and with respective interactive functionality provided via the various respective panes.

[0046] Such further more detailed examples may include the following. An icon is provided for browsing contest levels and/or related prizes (and/or other information or interactive links, e.g . re : reward points, purchases, products/services, etc.) in advance of the user transaction for entry. Upon selecting this feature to invoke this environment for a hosted user

experience, panes may be opened in the interactive viewer window that may include, for example, the following. A first window pane is thereby invoked for viewing a list of sponsored contests. A second window pane is also provided for indicating the user's profile, such as including contest entries or 'points' that might be used for contest entry, level upgrade, etc. The respective panes according to this illustrative example, or others, may also provide for further browsing/scrolling, such as along a grouped number of transactions related to the user, other uses in a linked social network hosted under the environment, or along various aspects of a given transaction.

[0047] It is further appreciated that other functional "selectable"

features/icons may also be provided, despite not being specifically shown or described, to implement various operations supported within the respective environment provided. For example, one or more other social networks and/or groups thereunder may be accessed for sourcing other users to invite and include under a planned practice event, or related contest, including via such an icon and related browsing/viewing arrangement.

[0048] While the user interface of FIG. 3 provides one example, other specific user interfaces (e.g. display) may be designed and rendered differently for different types of users, e.g. commercial versus private party members (and/or administrator vs. subordinate members grouped under a shared account), and may provide for certain customizability with respect to lay-out and/or features presented to the user within the toolbar (e.g. chosen default features to suit a particular user members' preferred activities, and/or sub-folders such as for example saving certain information related to transactions thereof).

[0049] The above examples described by reference to FIG. 3 are considered further beneficial embodiments of this disclosure. However, it is appreciated that various other specific implementations may be made, either in addition or alternative to the examples shown and described, without departing from the intended scope of this disclosure and as relates to other embodiments described herein. For example, other layouts of a screen display related to features/icons, and/or interactive or viewing panes, etc. may be made for a particular purpose and still remain consistent with this disclosure.

[0050] It is further contemplated, among the present embodiments, that certain activities and communications conducted within the environment may be desirably managed in a highly secured manner between registered users and the environment host. In one regard, the locations of user members may be considered confidential, sensitive information. Moreover, the environment host and/or related sponsors may be provided and entrusted with such confidential/sensitive information about the user members and their locations and other information provided. According to such

considerations, security tokens and/or organization identifications (ID) may be required for certain aspects of operating within the environment. This may apply, for example, to sponsors in order to become a registered member of the environment. Moreover, certain regulations may be implemented regarding member status and communicational behavior within the

environment, with monitoring conducted in order to maintain (or conversely lose) member status and related privileges.

[0051] Certain embodiments are herein described by reference to various processors and user interfaces including user input interfaces and user output interfaces such as "displays". It is to be appreciated that numerous specific embodiments for such interfaces may be appropriately provided to meet a specific need and target environment of users, or subject matter, whether or not specifically shown or described. According to one particularly beneficial system implementation, however, a respective environment embodiment will be implemented via a web-enabled service and related support engines, networked system environments, and interfacing devices. According to a still further beneficial mode of this web service, the environment, system, and methods are configured to support a user interface (UI) via a mobile computing device with a touch screen and by providing a UI application or 'app' that may be opened for interactive use by a touch icon providing indicia for the respective environment and related service and/or hosted operations.

[0052] Such mobile computing devices can include, for example, a multifunctional computing device for cellular telephony/messaging (e.g., feature phone or smart phone), a tablet device, an ultra-mobile computing device, or a wearable computing device with a form factor of a wearable accessory device (e.g., smart watch or bracelet, glass wear integrated with a computing device, etc.).

[0053] One or more embodiments described herein provide that methods, techniques and actions performed by a computing device are performed programmatically, or as a computer-implemented method. Program matically means through the use of code or computer-executable instructions. A programmatically performed step may or may not be automatic.

[0054] One or more embodiments described herein may be implemented using programmatic modules or components. A programmatic module or component may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, or a software or a hardware component capable of performing one or

more stated tasks or functions. As used herein, a module or component can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules or

components. Alternatively, a module or component can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs or machines.

[0055] Furthermore, one or more embodiments described herein may be implemented through instructions that are executable by one or more processors. These instructions may be carried on a computer-readable medium. Machines herein shown or described by reference to the figures provide examples of computer processing resources and computer-readable mediums on which instructions for implementing embodiments of the disclosure can be carried and/or executed. In particular, the numerous machines shown and/or described under certain embodiments include one or more computer processor(s) and various forms of memory for holding data and instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediums include

permanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers or servers. Other examples of computer storage mediums include portable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash or solid state memory (such as carried on many cell phones and consumer electronic devices), magnetic memory, and detachable 'plug-in' peripheral memory resources (e.g. 'jump' or 'thumb' drives, which may be provided for example with USB plug-in compatibility). Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g., mobile devices such as cell phones) are all examples of machines and devices that utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on computer- readable mediums. Additionally, embodiments may be implemented in the form of computer programs, or a computer usable carrier medium capable of carrying such a program.

[0056] The various embodiments of this disclosure also include a user interface. In certain embodiments, this may include, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI). The user interface in certain such embodiments can present information to a user, such as for example a particular set of interactive communications around a transaction under the hosted GBDS environment. The user interface systems may also include user input as well as user output interfaces (such as displays) . According to some

embodiments, the user interface can be a passive display or an active touch display (e.g., a capacitive or resistive touch screen) . Further examples may include, for example, display and rendering platforms such as : "Magic

Leap™" (such as described at www.magicleap.com); or "Oculus Rift™" provided by Oculus VR™ (such as described at www.oculus.com); or Google Glass™" provided by Google (such as for example described at

www.google.com/glass) .

[0057] Notwithstanding the many variations that may be suitably

implemented to suit a particular need and desired application, certain still more specific examples of displayed renderings of a UCD user interface according to a certain progression of UI interactions in a user transaction are shown in FIGS. 4A-J . In addition, an example of a sponsor indicia imprinted golf ball is shown in FIG. 5 - which harnesses a remarkable number of 'instances' or 'touches' between the sponsor's name and logo and a golfer user who typically hits, and thus sees, many balls in a practice session

(potentially a hundred or more) .

[0058] FIG. 6 further shows an example of a GBD antenna that may be provided in generally close proximity to a GBD (e.g. a message board cabinet provided immediately adjacent next to the GBD), and provide a function to communicate wirelessly directly and in short reach of a UCD 30, such as described elsewhere herein . The particular example shown in the picture is of an 'iBeacon . " More specifically, the specific model shown is commercially available from Radius Networks™ and called "RadBeacon Dot™." However, it is to be appreciated that numerous iBeacon options are available and may be suitably employed. In general, such devices are bluetooth emitters (which may be, for example Bluetooth low energy or "BLE") . In one particular illustrative embodiment deploying this type of device, when an 'app' for the UCD user interface via the UCD 30 is launched (e.g. a 'thin client' app), such as for example when the user is at the course description page, the UCD 30 is continuously searching for emitters (such as iBeacons, used further in this description for illustrated example purposes but not to limit such

embodiments to only such implementation). In a further example, each iBeacon has a specific identifier and is associated with a golf course. The iBeacon does not necessarily have GPS (though may also be provided with such in other embodiments), as it is a bluetooth emitter and triggers a connection with the UCD 30, which thereby establishes the co-location determination in that manner. A distinct benefit of such implementation is that such an iBeacon can be placed wherever the GBD facility or environment host desires for optimal connectivity and other considerations. In addition, certain such iBeacon models (such as the model of the particular example shown), are battery operated and thus also don't require wired power.

Example

[0059] One particular example of a hosted GBDS environment that illustrates various aspects, modes, and embodiments of this disclosure is further described as follows for purpose of providing a full illustration of features and benefits that may be enjoyed.

[0060] According to one beneficial aspect of this example, an "Engagement Event Contests" marketing strategy can be infused with a sponsor company's business processes that will create/sustain and increase their

customers/shareholder's value via participation in a custom applied hosted GBDS environment. Considerations in more particular embodiments may include, for example, and as supported and advanced by various

embodiments of the hosted GBDS environment of this disclosure:

1. What are the core processes, and what is the goal/contribution of the marketing function to the direction and integration of these processes?

2. Which of these processes will reduce risks and increase a positive cash flow by implementing a strategy under the hosted GBDS environment?

3. A personalized "Engagement Event Contest Program" is then created in a custom manner for each sponsor, designed to adapt as the data provided will provide further inputs to adjust such further strategies in future sponsored involvements. 4. Unique marketing strategies are enabled via the hosted GBDS environment and as a primary directional and integrator of sponsor customers' input/output, helping to fully understand core businesses processes in relation to the sponsor's current marketing strategy.

[0061] The hosted GBDS environment of this disclosure may represent up to over 60 million golfers (and as also represent a focused, targeted audience for sponsors) in up to over 20 thousand locations. In some embodiments, sponsor names and/or logos are printed on range balls as part of the hosted environment. In certain further embodiments, these may be given to golf courses for free, or at least heavily discounted. The operation of the hosted GBDS environment may also be conducted within particular defined geographical territories, such as for example with subscriptions by different sponsors in each such territory. In one such example for illustration, 20 territories are defined to cover the world's golf courses and independently owned driving ranges.

[0062] The sponsorships provided under the hosted GBDS environment within such territories are harnessed to improve a sponsor company's strengths, while also turn its weaknesses into strengths.

[0063] A still more specific "Three Dimensional Global Engagement Event Program" is also provided as follows. A Mobile internet application is provided and that, in certain regards, is configured to define and/or refine the relationships with a company's customers, consumers and shareholders. Strategy effectiveness to attract and retain new or existing customers and consumers is tracked.

[0064] Sponsor advertisers are also provided an ability to grow their respective brand by exploiting an untapped medium which creates length, width and depth between them and their targeted customers/consumers - the golfer users of the hosted GBDS environment. In certain further more detailed embodiments, again by way of example for illustration, a portion of profits gained through the hosted GBDS environment may be returned as gifts and prizes in the sponsors' names given to the winners of their respectively sponsored contest. In still further examples, donations may be made in the sponsors' name, such as for example to fund new or existing programs related to golf (e.g. for children). [0065] Exemplary Sponsorship Engagement under the Hosted GBDS Environment

[0066] The following provide certain further examples of embodiments contemplated hereunder.

1. Companies, which might most typically be advertisers of products and/or services for example, are identified and engaged by the environment host as program "sponsors"

2. Sponsors choose a territory to sponsor under the environment, and in which to place their name and/or logo or other indicia associated with the sponsor on range balls - which in still further embodiments, for example, may also be manufactured by or on behalf of the program host.

3. Sponsorship subscriptions or contracts may be subject to certain limitations, e.g . for only a limited time, e.g. one year.

4. Range balls are printed with the respective Sponsor's chosen indicia, in an amount estimated to meet the need for their respective sponsored territory(s)

5. As still another example and embodiment, and in consideration of a detailed understanding of each sponsor's needs regarding current & future strategies related to golf, a sponsor-specific contest program tailored for those needs is developed and implemented .

6. Numerous sponsored contests are simultaneously launched and/or conducted across the several (e.g. 20) territories, and with integration of the hosted environment to other venues such as broadcasted golf tournaments (e.g . featured advertising and/or more directly related activities to the hosted environment coincide with a "Major" tournament).

7. Sponsors and GBD owners/hosts may also be engaged and

communicate directly under the hosted GBDS environment, such as for example regarding optimal implementations of the environment to meet each of their respective needs.

8. The sponsors' respective imprinted range balls may also be delivered and 'put into play' at strategically timed intervals related to other Golf-related events or activities, such as for example on Monday the week of the Major, and such as for example in no less than 30 days to be "put in play" the moment they arrive.

9. Golfers begin to enter the respective sponsored contest(s), such as for example as elsewhere herein described .

10. In still further examples, the frequency of contest drawings may be tailored to golfer-related and/or system-wide related adoption. For example, for an initial period, e.g. first two months, winners are drawn for the first two (of four, for example) contest levels. This may be done, in a still more detailed illustrative example, on a Monday to also coordinate the ability for sponsors to insert footage of winners into commercials created to do so.

11. In still further aspects, data will also be analyzed periodically, such as for example on the Nth (e.g . 8^th) week following an initial launch, to determine optimal frequency of contest drawings, e.g. if once a week is more or less or equal as is necessary to maintain a certain level of participation .

12. Once a projected amount of golfer users is entering, and/or

reentering, the contests (and which may be measured on certain respective, or all, of multiple n contest levels, e.g. n =4 levels), then the contest structure may be adjusted - e.g. 1^st & 2^nd level drawings may be conducted once a month instead of weekly, 3^rd level every other month, and 4^th level every third month. (Grand Prize level)

[0067] Exemplary Summary Progression of Events

[0068] A Unique Service which Increases the Environment's Utility & Value

[0069] The following exemplary progression of events illustrates a summary of how the hosted GBDS environment of this disclosure may be harnessed to provide a unique service that increases the value of the range ball by providing a unique venue and service to sponsors and their relationships to golf courses, range ball manufacturers, and golfers around the world .

1. The world is divided, for example, into 20 territories that, without

limitation, each consists of approximately one thousand golf courses and independently owned driving ranges. 2. A limited number of sponsoring entities, e.g. 7, who in certain embodiments may be limited to generally non-competing companies, are engaged as sponsors and place their name and logo or product name/symbol golf balls, and which in still further embodiments will be on opposite sides of the ball in order to optimize visual exposure.

[0070] The cost to each sponsor may include, for example :

1. Printing of the range ball, e.g. the artwork. This may be subject to certain limitations, for example to control manageability of the cost- benefit of implementation. For example, such artwork may be limited to consist of no more than n (e.g . four) colors on each range ball .

2. The range ball itself.

3. The delivery of that range ball to each course within that territory.

(Manufacturers name and logo will replace the black line that normally distinguishes the difference between it and golf balls used on the course)

4. Contest support and management resources, including for example appropriately designed and implemented software program(s) for such purpose. In certain specific embodiments, for example, an

independent contest software program may be custom configured for one or more particular sponsors' needs. In one such embodiment, such custom configurations might relate to providing, for example, extra entries into a particular sponsor's sponsored contest using at least one of promotions, incentives, and/or purchases of products or services unrelated to a customer/consumer using the range ball to enter the contest, and/or the prizes given to each winner (e.g. higher level prizes, e.g. Grand Prizes, may include extra cost) .

[0071] In still further embodiments, the GBDS environment host may choose to add something to a respective sponsor's imprinted range

balls((()))*** without interfering with the respective sponsor's indicia (e.g. name or logo). Certain such embodiments may include, for example, a particular promotion, e.g. indicia that indicates the user who receives the ball is an 'instant winner' of a promotional prize. Further to this example, this approach provides a benefit of creating excitement - and increases a need for the respective golfer users of the hosted GBDS environment to look more closely at each ball to find such a special indicia (and as such may be unrelated to the sponsors' indicia they see so repetitively on the balls). In yet further embodiments, for further illustration, such special contest entries may also be associated with sponsors and rotate through and among them (and their respective sponsor-imprinted balls). In still further embodiments, such contest prizes may come out of 'funds' associated with the respective sponsors, and which may relate in still further examples to a common amount of contest levels.

[0072] Further embodiment examples regarding contest entries are disclosed as follows:

1. A user must be at a golf course driving range, e.g. co-location as

elsewhere herein described, in order to make a valid contest entry. A CLS (such as for example according to embodiments elsewhere herein described) determines the co-location, such as for example via GPS tracking of a user's UCD 30 (per embodiments requiring such a mobile device to be used in order to enter the contest, thus ensuring the co- location criteria is met).

2. In another further embodiment, golfers (e.g. users) are allowed to enter a contest (e.g. associated with a particular sponsor) by taking a picture of the respective sponsor's name or logo indicia on a range ball. In certain examples of such an embodiment, a sponsor can choose to run a unique promotion if the picture is of their respective indicia-imprinted ball, such as for example for extra entries into their respectively sponsored contest. In some examples, such user input however will not change the rotation of entries). In other embodiments, contest entry can be made upon a user input of, for example, scanning a QR code, barcode, or other form of identifiable indicia on, e.g. : a receipt from the purchase of range balls; or on a plaque placed on the range ball machine itself wherever that machine is located. It is further appreciated, according to the various aspects, modes, embodiments, and examples herein described, that the co-location determination of a golfer may be at a GBD in various locations, which may be at a golf course, or an independently owned or operated driving range that may be indoors, or outdoors, and which may be used to practice or for entertainment purposes. As herein described by reference to certain particular embodiments, a GPS emitter may be placed at each driving range and that is configured, when a user's mobile phone or pda (e.g. UCD 30) is co-located within a predetermined range, will alert the UCD 30 of the co-location. This may be conducted, for example, when an 'app' of the UCD 30 and related to the hosted GBDS environment is turned on . In still further embodiments, a user input is provided, such as for example by touching or clicking a 'submit' or other suitable button, that generates the respective user's entry into a respective sponsor's contest.

3. In still further embodiments, in response to a golfer user conducting one of the above mentioned interactions with the range ball, the respective user is taken, via hosted GBDS environment as manifest in user communications via the UCD 30, to a page or other form of interactive media via the UCD user interface to start or conduct the process of entering a respective sponsored contest.

[0073] According to still another embodiment, the first time a golfer user enters the contest they will be asked to provide certain initial user profile information, e.g . with some form of unique user identification (ID), such as for example their name, and which may also include for example their email address and/or mobile number (e.g. for UCD 30) . When at least one such form of user contact information for electronic communications is submitted, the hosted GBDS environment is configured to send or 'push' an email and/or text form (or other form, as the case may be) of alert, respectively, that provides a link to a website providing a user interface for the respective user under the hosted GBDS environment. In certain further examples, upon thereby linking to the host website, the user may then - via additional user inputs to the hosted user interface - creates an account by entering their name, address, phone number, email address as well as an alternate email address, then click submit, (although it is appreciated such may be provided on the initial user input submission, and then for example confirmed upon the link - as often is implemented in other account creations, the link from the email or text communication itself may verify the user) .

[0074] In certain further steps via the hosted user interface, and

representing thus further embodiments, the user may then be taken to a page which explains the rules of the contest, how to reach the next levels and the requirements and prizes of each level (e.g . in the case of multiple contest levels being hosted in the environment). Such information may also explain certain aspects of surveys they may be presented and to take (e.g. queries, as elsewhere herein described), and also regarding certain benefits they may receive for participating in such surveys (e.g. query answers) .

[0075] It is appreciated according to still further embodiments that the user may then be required to 'check' a box (or otherwise confirm) agreeing to the rules and regulations of participating as a user of the hosted GBDS

environment (such as described by way of examples above) . Such

agreement may also relate to the contest and information that may be collected from them as they use the site and take surveys etc. In still further detailed embodiments, again for purpose of illustration, when finished the user clicks on or touches a submit button . In one example, the user is then notified that it is an instant winner of a prize, such as for example one or more range ball credits, tokens, or coupon for such to print or show a pro shop or GBD administrator, e.g. via indicia for such displayed on their UCD 30 display, to collect their prize. In still further steps, again representing still further embodiments of this disclosure, a tab, button, or other form of indicia for solicited user input may be shown on their UCD display (e.g . the coupon) in order to continue interacting within the hosted GBDS environment (e.g . link back to home page or other next page on the display when chosen or pushed/clicked/touched) .

[0076] It is appreciated that various links may be provided within the hosted GBDS environment, such as for example as follows to:

1. Certain details of how a contest works and the prizes that can be won on each level along with the rules of the contest.

2. To create their own Golf Book to communicate with other contestants, to public chat rooms, shop, make tee times, compete with other golfers as they play or afterwards.

3. To download a mobile internet application (e.g . thin client ^¾app') to access and interact within the hosted GBDS environment and all of its features as well as enter the respective contests.

4. GUI implementations and related methods providing the user an ability to communicate and interact with others, which may include for example at least one of the environment host, other respective users, and/or respective sponsors. [0077] The 'Engaged Range Ball' of the Hosted GBDS Environment

[0078] It is to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes, embodiments, features, and examples herein described provide a unique and beneficial environment around Vange balls' - golf balls used at driving ranges located at a golf course or independently owned and/or operated facilities for practice or entertainment purposes, and which are pervasive gathering spots for golfers around the world. Most typically, companies that manufacture range balls to sell or provide to such practice facilities (or any other entities) do not allow or offer sponsored advertising other than their own or for promotional purposes. Even if and when such is done, such advertising will typically require to be removed at the end of such a promotion .

[0079] According to certain embodiments for the hosted GBD environment of this disclosure, sponsors are engaged specifically to place their chosen indicia (e.g. their name, logo, product name, or other form of artwork of any design) on range balls. In certain further embodiments, this may be provided also along with indicia of the range ball manufacturers, suppliers, environment host, or other party who may be permitted to do so.

[0080] In certain further more detailed embodiments, for illustration and without necessary limitation to the broad aspects herein intended, the design and placement of such indicia may be according to the following :

1. The sponsor indicia will be located around the circumference of the ball with a limited dimension, e.g. width, e.g. width that is no more than about 0.75 inches.

2. The sponsor indicia may be twice printed on a ball, in which case will be located on opposing sides of the ball . As described elsewhere herein, it is also appreciated that other indicia other than the sponsor may also be provided (e.g. environment host or prize sponsor/s, which may be different than contest sponsors), such as for example on opposite opposing sides of the sponsor's indicia (e.g . 90 degrees rotated on the ball from the two opposite sponsor indicia).

3. In still further examples, a manufactures and/or supplier of the range balls themselves will preferably provide a quality ball consistent with the highest standards pertaining in the manufacturing of such balls. It is appreciated that the balls may be offered in any color, but will typically will be preferably white. It is further appreciated that ball types may vary, e.g. full and limited flight capabilities, depending on the needs or restrictions of each location .

4. In still further exemplary implementations, the respective ball

manufacturer will typically have the balls delivered in a manner that is timely and to the respective territory(s) corresponding with respective sponsor subscription(s) and respective contest(s).

5. In yet further examples, the manufacturers may also be restricted against communicating or offer same or competing programs to any practice facility participating in the hosted GBDS environment during a limited period, such as for example during the period when contests associated with such balls η play' are being conducted, and which may include in other examples a 'tail'. According to one specific example, for illustration, such limitation may be for a period of no less than two years after such balls are purchased from and/or delivered by the respective manufacturer for purpose of inclusion under the hosted GBDS environment. It is to be appreciated, according to such embodiments, that the hosted GBDS environment provides such manufacturers an opportunity and ability to control much, perhaps even a majority or even all, of the range ball supply to practice facilities participating in the hosted GBDS environment. In further examples, such manufacturers may also be required to actively participate in the hosted GBDS environment beyond mere contracted supply of the indicia-imprinted range balls, such as for example to market, promote, or introduce the environment to potential sponsors and/or practice facilities for potential participation within the hosted environment.

6. In still further embodiments, over a duration of a range ball

manufacture/supply contract, it is appreciated that changes may occur in sponsors and/or related promotions that may be facilitated around the engaged golf balls. In certain further examples, the cost quoted for a respective ball supply will be required to remain the same for any such changes made in the advertisement of such balls.

[0081] The Engaged Sponsor-Golfer(((user 10))) Relationship Under the

Hosted GBDS Environment [0082] It is also to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes,

embodiments, features, and examples herein described provide a unique and beneficial environment around golf practice facilities for uniquely engaged relationships between sponsors and golfers. Certain such benefits provided by the present systems and methods include maintaining and/or growing brand awareness, recognition, and loyalty. According to certain such considerations, it is recognized that if only 100 golfers hit 30 Range Balls at each of 20 thousand golf practice facility locations worldwide, a sponsor's name/ logo (e.g . imprinted indicia) will have been seen 60 Million times each day, and nearly 22 Billion times a year. In further consideration of the relatively low cost of providing such indicia on range golf balls, harnessing the range ball for indicia display can cost as low as a penny (or even fraction of a penny) per thousand 'impressions' viewed by typical golfers at the practice range.

[0083] It is appreciated thus that, in general, it is very difficult to build and maintain brand awareness which strengthens the depth and character of a company. The integration of sponsor-indicated golf balls with sponsored contests within the hosted GBDS environment provides a unique approach and venue to accomplish both of these needs and respective benefits. A physical, interactive engagement event is provided that is very effective in building and maintaining a respective sponsor's brand awareness and/or recognition . The further engagement via the sponsored contests inspires sponsor companies and the environment golfer users - the sponsors' target customers\consumers - to communicate via a mobile internet application with user UCDs, including for example via surveys. Various requirements may provide further benefits of the contest, such as to refine the data being received.

[0084] Accordingly, it is still further appreciated that the various aspects, modes, embodiments, features, and examples disclosed herein provide significant benefits to the golf industry, golf courses and other practice facilities, golfers, and sponsor companies that take advantage of the hosted GBDS environment to conduct uniquely focused and valuable target marketing, market research, and brand engagement to, with, and from the other parties participating in the hosted environment. [0085] Still further examples below are provided for purpose of illustration, and without necessary limitation to any of the broad intended aspects of this disclosure, regarding certain 3-dimensional (length, width and depth) aspects of this disclosure.

1. The environment host donates a certain portion of profit received in the sales of sponsorships and other advertising to a nonprofit in the sponsors'/advertisers' name. Such may be targeted, for example, such as to fund new or existing programs that provide instruction by PGA Instructors to children .

2. Golf practice facilities are provided and receive free range balls,

resulting in either or both of increased sales of driving range revenue and/or reduced cost to golfers, and which may also be given and receive, for example, funds for new/existing children programs.

3. Golfers become users of the environment of their own choosing,

volunteering their engagement with the sponsors for targeted advertising and promotions, versus merely being victims of unsolicited campaigns pushed upon them.

4. Golfers at practice facilities are often interactive with each other, as compatriots in the game of golf. If just 1 of 100 golfers at each of the world's 20 thousand practice facilities won a contest price, the prize, the contest, and the respective sponsor(s) will spread . As the sponsor's indicia continues to come into repetitive view on the imprinted balls, their association with the respective prizes (and nonprofit donations, for example) will proliferate enthusiasm - for both the hosted GBDS environment and related contests hosted therein, and for the sponsor itself.

5. Seeing a sponsor's indicia repeatedly during practice events may

stimulate or remind the golfer users to purchase a certain product that is made by the sponsor.

6. Companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars to sponsor events where many people are needed to plan for each event, set up and tear down, then move to next event. Such events tend to last only one week or even just a day. This is continuous, more efficient, and more engaging to the end consumer - the golfer. For a very small fraction of the cost of such typical sponsored campaigns, the hosted GBDS environment of this disclosure provides a hosted targeted customer engagement venue at up to 20 thousand locations around the world, up to 365 days a year, where the sponsor's targeted

customers/consumers are where they want to be, doing exactly what they want to be doing.

[0086] Transforming the Engaged Repetition of the Range Ball under the Hosted GBDS Environment

[0087] It is also to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes,

embodiments, features, and examples herein described provide a unique and beneficial environment that transforms the unique repetition of golf practicing into targeted advertising and market research 'touches' or 'impressions.'

[0088] Companies use many ways to get their message out but all have one thing in common, the use of repetition . Approximately 30-50 million people play or practice golf in over Twenty Five Thousand locations around the world each year. On average, each golfer will hit 30 balls, one after another, between 10 to 30 minutes, when they go to a driving range - while many may hit up to 100 or more balls in a practice event. Each such practice ball is addressed with a specific intention to 'keep your head down and eye on the ball." Certain aspects of this present disclosure thus provide a unique hosted GBDS environment for sponsor advertisers take full advantage of this level of repetition in viewing - in fact staring - at a ball, which is unique only to the game of golf.

[0089] According to one such example, upon the first time a golfer sees a sponsor's name and/or logo on a range ball, it "reboots" the conscious mind as it is completely different than what it is used to seeing.

[0090] According to further examples, as golfers learn of people winning prizes from sponsored contests, or win a prize themselves, each time they see the sponsor's name it becomes an increasingly positive effect on their subconscious.

[0091] In still further examples, by way of user-engaged surveys, information gathering may be refined for a sponsor to tailor the prizes that may be awarded and the ones users might choose for themselves to increase the positive effects of the participation . [0092] The Engaged Contests & Big Data under the Hosted GBDS

Environment

[0093] It is also to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes,

embodiments, features, and examples herein described provide a unique and beneficial environment that transforms golf practice events to contest entries and valuable targeted marketing and market information gathering.

[0094] According to certain such aspects of this disclosure, sponsor companies place their name and/or logo on range balls, and integrate the indicia imprinted balls and their respective contest winners into commercials and other advertisement approaches targeted to golfers. This accordingly grows awareness to drive consumers to the golf practice facilities to subscribe to the hosted GBDS environment and/or enter such a contest. As elsewhere herein described, golfers enter such contests by creating an account, and participate via a mobile internet application of their respective UCD 30 that can be used to enter the contest at any location that is pre-determined to authorize contest entry.

[0095] According to still further embodiments, the hosted GBDS

environment is also configured to facilitate a user 10 to communicate with other golfers around the world, including for example sharing pictures and videos etc. of their experiences on the course and driving range.

[0096] In additional embodiments, the user 10 interacts within the hosted GBDS environment via an 'app' that is operated to provide a UCD user interface for the environment via its respective UCD 30. In certain examples, surveys are thereby conducted for purpose of market research and data gathering, such as for example providing a number of n questions (e.g. 3 question surveys) . After the user finishes such a survey by answering the respective queries, he/she receives a reward or benefit. This may include, for example, a discount coupon or redeemable credit of the survey sponsor's choice. In certain further examples, a number of n items (e.g. 3 items) may be offered and used for research of new or existing products, of which the contestant can choose one (or more) for themselves. This provides an additional layer of information, via tracking their sales and consumer buying habits with respect to when and where the coupons or credits are redeemed and used. This thus provides a highly effective form of advertising in relationship to each contestant's buying habits. Each sponsor's contest can consist of any amount of levels, but according to one example for illustration it consists of four levels. In certain such example, at each such level the prizes are worth more than the previous level. Moreover, the highest level (e.g. the fourth level in the instant example) may be for a Grand Prize. In still further examples, sponsors can use the surveys in a complete territory or by city, state etc. They may also use these surveys tailored to a specific contestant if desired.

[0097] Structured Sponsor Engagement

[0098] It is also to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes,

embodiments, features, and examples herein described provide a unique and beneficial environment for sponsor-golfer engagement under structured limitations and in order to harness certain particular benefits.

[0099] In certain such embodiments, various types of sponsors (and related sponsorship structures) may be engaged under a hosted GBDS environment according to various such aspects of this disclosure.

[0100] In one such example, sponsors may choose a territory among multiple territories that may be offered for purpose of such sponsorship. In certain further examples, however, the hosted GBDS environment may be configured to prevent sponsors who are in competition with each other from sharing a territory.

[0101] In some examples, sponsors may sponsor multiple territories.

However, in other examples a sponsor may be limited to sponsoring only a maximum number of n territories. According to one such example, a sponsor may be limited to sponsoring no more than one territory. In another example, a sponsor may have the ability to control who the other sponsors may be in its respective territory, e.g. to ensure against competitors, and potentially creating secondary markets to sell authorizations. In still a further embodiment according to this example, such control may require a payment or other form of cost. In still further embodiments, such control may be subject to approval and monitoring (which may be according to certain rules and guidelines) of the environment host.

[0102] In still further examples, a sponsor may subscribe to sponsor more than one territory. [0103] In another example, a sponsor may be provided an opportunity to split payment for sponsorship to the hosted GBDS environment with a payment (e.g . some agreed or structured % of the cost) to a designated non^¬ profit (e.g. which may be golf-related). This may further provide, for example, beneficial tax incentives concerning donations; whereas

implementation for such purpose and intended result would typically be limited to, and performed in a manner appropriately compliant with, and subject to, applicable laws, rules, and/or regulations regarding such donations and tax treatments.

[0104] According to other examples, sponsors may be required to meet certain cost or value thresholds with respect to prizes provided in their respectively sponsored contests. In one such example, for illustration, the cost may be required to include at a minimum four tickets to a PGA or LPGA event. In other examples, requirements may include a certain allocation to certain types of such events, e.g. the LPGA events in order to advance the promotion of women's golf. In another example, a sponsor that able to sponsor spots in Professional-Amateur joint events (Pro-Ams) may be required to provide at least one such spot as a prize.

[0105] In still further examples, sponsors' requirements with respect to prizes may relate to their choices of territories to sponsor. In one such example, a sponsor that purchases more than one territory may be required to provide one of each or two of the same of the items mentioned above (e.g . tickets to a pro event, and/or spots in Pro-Am events) . In another example, sponsors who purchase two or more territories may be given the right to bid on being the sponsor for the hosted GBDS environment at an event, and which may include for example supplying tickets for a portion or all of the respective event days.

[0106] It is also to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes,

embodiments, features, and examples herein described provide a unique and beneficial environment for gathering highly valuable golfer-specific data - but while also presenting certain structural considerations around that data .

[0107] According to certain such examples, such data harvested from any of the users 10 will stored and owned by the environment host, including for example survey answers, buying habits observed (e.g. the chosen use of survey and/or contest coupons), etc. In certain such examples, the data will be available however to sponsors. In some such examples, however, this may have some further restrictions or considerations. In one example, for i llustration, two tiers of such information is made available under the hosted GBDS environment for sponsors to purchase. A relatively lower level wil l cost a first price, such as for exam ple X$/month, and can be accessed and downloaded for such sponsor's purposes. This may also have the

understanding and/or agreement that such information remains confidential for dissem ination and use only by the purchasing sponsor, and is not to share/resel l this with any other party (e.g . potentially with a penalty for breaking this agreement, e.g . removal as a cl ient and/or cost penalty) . It is understood that such l im itations relate in many circumstances to certain user privacy considerations, i n addition to business considerations re : the data value harnessed under the hosted environment. A second level accordi ng to this instant exam ple may contain all data, including data from the surveys, the golf book, or any other information collected within the hosted GBD environment, and which may be provided for example at another higher cost (and may have its own respective l imitations on authorized dissemination, use, etc. ) .

[0108] Territorial & Driving Range Efficiencies of the Hosted GBDS

Envi ronment

[0109] It is also to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes,

em bodiments, features, and exam ples herein described provide a unique and beneficial hosted environment for sponsor-consumer engaged relationsh ips. According to certain further examples, various beneficial efficiencies may be thereby provided and harnessed and to benefit various participants, including for illustration the following examples.

[0110] The current potential marketplace for adoptive use of the present em bodiments represents approximately 20 thousand golf courses and driving ranges located within 100 miles of every major metropolitan area around the world . Some territories could also include courses outside the 100 mile range.

[0111] According to one instant example, for i llustration, each territory consists on average of 1 thousand driving ranges. In certain such examples, there may be a fixed or otherwise chosen nu mber of non-com peting sponsors assigned for sponsorship per territory. Among other benefits, th is criteria is intended to provide enhanced psychological and/or cost effectiveness of the hosted GBDS environment. It is further appreciated that an average golf course uses about 3,336 dozen range balls a year, for an average cost = $20,016. This is for unprinted balls, whereas printed of course are more expensive. In one particular example for illustration, for a sponsor cost of $X per territory, $X/10 may be allocated per practice facility for indicia- printed range balls (e.g. up to 4 colors, in one further example) delivered to every course within that territory. In still further examples, a portion of the sponsor's cost, and which may be allocated equally or as otherwise desired between courses or practice facilities, may be applied to the respective sponsor's contest prize fund. In still further examples, another portion of the cost, which may also be allocated as desired among locations or other 'touch points,' may go to a non-profit in the sponsor's name.

[0112] According to still further detailed examples of this instant example above, benefits provided for a sponsor may vary between different chosen levels or types of sponsorships, such as for example if a sponsor purchases (e.g . sponsors) two or more territories.

[0113] In still further more detailed examples, each sponsor's unique needs are reflected in certain aspects of the contest structure. In one such example, the sponsor may offer users extra entries into their contest as a promotion, or may associate user purchases of products and/or services from the sponsor as incentive for extra contest entries etc. (e.g. tie

product/service purchases to providing additional contest entries). In other examples, such extra contest entries will be good only for that sponsor's respective contest, such as may also be limited for example only on levels 1- 3 (e.g . of a 4 level structure) . This may be adjusted, in other examples, if sponsor purchases the right to be the sponsor of a grand prize (e.g . level 4) and in that circumstance, according to this illustrative example, the extra entries will be good only for that Grand Prize of level 4 prizes. In still further illustrative examples, the cost to sponsor a Grand Prize shall be subject to certain requirements, such as for example may be required to include tickets for n (e.g. 4) people for part or all (e.g. 4) of the days of a golf event, and/or for example provide a PGA (or LPGA, as the case may be) player in that event to be available one day to meet the contest winner. In other examples, contest entries will be good for proscribed period of time, such as for example for the one year of that respective sponsor's subscription to the sponsorship.

[0114] In still further examples, contest drawings may take place at various intervals and frequencies. In certain such specific example, again for purpose of illustration : Level 1 will have 300 draws a month for each advertiser with a total of 2, 100 total draw a month; Level 2 = 300 draws per advertiser =2,100 per month; Level 3, 50 draws per advertiser total of 350 draws every other month; Level 4 consists of all advertisers entries at 20 winners drawn every 3 months. This will typically be for a territory. It is to be appreciated that such examples, while considered highly beneficial, are illustrative only of broader aspects of this disclosure exemplified by such examples - and other variations or alternatives may be pursued without departing from such broader aspects contemplated herein .

[0115] Contest Examples under the Hosted GBDS Environment

[0116] While contests under the hosted GBDS environment may take many different specific forms and approaches, and with various considerations respectively, the following provide certain further examples how certain such hosted contests within the environment relate to golfers, golf practice facilities, sponsors, and other parties involved.

[0117] In one such example, there are 4 levels of the contest, the first level will be drawn once a month, second level once a month, third level every other month and the fourth level four times a year. When a sponsor's sponsorship expires (e.g. end of a one year sponsorship contract), all the contestant entries are moved to the next grand prize drawing. After a drawing for such a contest is conducted, all related entries will become null and void . The first level winners are provided with prizes with a cost totaling no more than about $A U.S Dollars. For illustration, such as for example if $A=$50, such prices may include, for example, golf gloves, tees,

sleeves/boxes of balls, apparel, etc., or a combination thereof. The drawings are most typically conducted for each respective sponsor's contests individually and separately from each other (except and/or unless where may be indicated otherwise) .

[0118] According to still further examples, the second level can only be reached by the contestant golfer/user after they have entered the contest a threshold number of n times (e.g. about 20 times). In a further example, the user may also be required to take a survey by answering a number of n questions (e.g. three question survey) provided by one or more sponsors, at certain intervals (e.g. from one of the sponsors, once a month). This may be configured under the hosted GBDS environment to rotate to the next advertiser as each survey is completed. According to certain such examples, if they fail to take the survey each month they are penalized, such as for example placed back on a lower (e.g . the first) contest level . The prizes for this second level will typically have greater $B value than the first level $X value (and lesser than higher level/s), and which may be up to for example as much as about 10-20x of the $A value of the first lower level .

[0119] According to further examples, the third level may require the contestant to have entered the contest another threshold number of times (e.g . 30 times). In a further example, the user may also be required to take a survey by answering a number of questions (e.g. one 3 question survey a month), and which may again rotate through the sponsors at the location where they enter the contest. It is appreciated that the location from which most entries are made will typically be considered the respective user's most frequently visited 'home' course or practice facility. If the user fails to take the survey in a 30 day period they will be penalized, e.g. place back to a lower level (eg. the second or first level) . At this third level, the contestant can also take up to two more 3 question surveys to earn more entries. In further examples, the contestant can also choose from the seven sponsors at their location to take these surveys. In other examples, they will receive a redeemable credit or coupon and choose one or more options from a list options (e.g. three items) . Each extra question they take will earn them one extra entry into the fourth level drawing. In still further more detailed examples, the prizes for this third level will typically be higher value (e.g. $C) than lower first ($A) and second ($B) value levels, but lower than higher levels (if higher levels are still provided), such as for example may be as much as up to about lOOx the first $A level or 10-20x the second $B level value.

[0120] In still further examples, the fourth level comprises Grand Prizes. For participation at this level, the constant user is required to have taken at least two three questions surveys each thirty days from the day they enter this level and must do so until the drawing is held . In certain examples, they must continue to take two three question surveys each thirty days to remain on the fourth level after their initial drawing . In certain examples, the contestants will be allowed to take no more than one three question survey from each of the advertisers at that course within a thirty day period . In certain examples, they will receive the same or similar gifts of redeemable credits or coupons for each survey taken, and will also receive one extra entry per question into the respective sponsor's drawing for the grand prizes. In other examples, there may be a limit to number of entries -e.g . for illustration, no more than about 21 total entrees per month combined. In certain such examples, the prizes at this level will typically be a higher value (e.g . $D) than lower levels, such as for example as much as up to about 5x the third level ($C), or 50x the second level ($B), or 500x the first level ($A) in value.

[0121] In still further examples, each time a user enters a sponsor's contest for the nth time (e.g. 20^th time) the system is configured to award them as an instant winner of a prize, such as for example from level 2, in that sponsor's name.

[0122] Engaging the User's Contest Entry under the Hosted GBDS

Environment

[0123] It is appreciated that a golfer user of the hosted GBDS environment can enter such hosted contests in a variety of ways. However, the following examples are provided for purpose of illustration and without limitation.

[0124] According to one such example, the user receives a receipt printed by a program inside the practice facility's point of sale (POS) when they purchase range balls. A QR code and/or a Barcode is provided on the receipt to be scanned or texted by the user. Alternatively, such may be provided on a surface at or near the GBD itself, and thereby scanned or texted by the UCD. In alternative embodiments, radiofrequency or Bluetooth emitters are placed at the driving range and providing uniquely identified ID or GPS coordinates and of known association under the hosted GBDS environment for purpose of co-location determination . Each of the preceding approaches, or others as herein described (or otherwise apparent to one of ordinary skill), will show the location of the course where the golfer is when they enter the contest. The contest can only be entered within certain frequency constraints, e.g. once a day, and will most typically be required to be entered while at the course (e.g. using a GPS coordinate recognition for the user's UCD 30 and associated program); although, in certain embodiments it is contemplated that a contest entry can be done after a co-location is determined, e.g . even perhaps via a desktop or other form of internet connected computing resource connected into the hosted GBDS environment under the respective user's account.

[0125] In further steps and examples, the first time a golfer/user enters the contest after the QR or barcode is used (or they are otherwise established as co-located with a recognized GBD), they will be taken to a site via their UCD 30 to enter their name and email address and/or cell number. They will be sent an email or text alert to that respective address or number with a link to a site to verify their email and/or phone and to finish entering their information to create an account and to agree to rules and regulations of participation under the hosted GBDS environment, and agree to certain aspects of data collection related to them due to their participation. In further example steps, after they have submitted their user information, they will be congratulated (either via displayed text, icon, or voice) as a winner of (X) amount of an initial prize, e.g . range balls. In certain further examples, they will also then be taken via the UCD user interface to their own 'Golf Book.' The Golf Book provides, according to certain further examples, various links regarding how the contest/golf book/rules/levels/etc. work. In certain examples, the golf book cover will be an app that is downloadable to access the hosted GBDS environment website as well as enter contests.

[0126] In one example, the initial prize, e.g. for range balls, will be provided as a redeemable coupon to be printed/scanned or shown at their course to redeem their prize. In further examples, other prizes will be available through the hosted GBDS environment and either mailed or electronically provided to the user if and when they are chosen as a contest winner. In further examples, Level 2 (and/or other level) prizes can be provided as a list of items from which the user can choose its chosen prize. In certain examples, each time a user enters a contest it will rotate to the next sponsor's respective contest. This will generally be configured as such in order to provide a relatively equal amount of such engagements for each respective sponsor. However, in some other embodiments, sponsors may vary in their respective presence for contest entries based upon the level of sponsorship they have chosen (e.g. amount they pay, which may be tiered for different levels or frequencies of sponsored contest entry opportunities).

[0127] As elsewhere herein described, for a contestant to move and stay on a next higher contest level, they must take a survey (e.g. 3 question survey) provided by the sponsor that is chosen in the rotation at the time the contestant agrees to take the survey. At any time during the following month the contestant decides to take the survey the sponsor that is in the rotation at that time will provide the survey. In certain further examples, the environment host (or a respective sponsor, in some other embodiments) may provide opportunities for instant winners. This may be accomplished, for example, by placing a form of indicia (e.g. word or symbol) on a golf ball. Or, it can be electronically configured to occur through the user interaction within the environment via the UCD user interface. This approach is believed to be helpful to ensure contestants are actually seeing the balls of the sponsors and to keep the level of excitement up.

[0128] The Golf Book Engagement of Social Media in the Hosted GBDS Environment

[0129] It is also appreciated that the systems and methods of this disclosure related to a hosted GBDS environment harness a large community of active golfers sharing a common experience at the driving range. Certain further aspects of this disclosure thereby contemplate a remarkable opportunity provided by the hosted GBDS environment to harness a uniquely targeted venue for social media and related interactions and information sharing. Certain such examples are provided for purpose of illustration, without limitation, below.

[0130] According to one such example, a golf book is provided under the hosted GBDS environment as a social media site for the purpose of golfers to communicate with each other, and also for related data to be collected by the environment host. In other regards, it also provides information concerning what is going on and to communicate with each contestant. The hosted GBDS environment will generally control this interactive environment as a 'host,' typically including communications between users that are using the Golf Book, and will typically be the storage and owner over such data.

[0131] In certain examples, the golf book may comprises many features common to other social networking environments and related sites, provided however also with certain unique aspects and differences.

[0132] According to one example, the cover of the golfbook is configured to be decorated by the user who owns the respective golfbook, and can invite others to access it. In another example, the golfbook will come with a control section of settings and password protected. In another example, the golfbook will consist of multiple chapters, each one pertaining to one month of the year. This may start, for example, with the month the contestant was issued the book. In another example, each page will relate to a day of that month. In certain such further examples, when a friend accesses to post it will show only that day and month. In other examples, the hosted GBDS environment will place at least one link to the site to take the contestant to the surveys will be taken for the top three levels of the contest for the contestant to use. In other examples, a calendar will be placed on the cover of each golfbook to be used to access the book by day and month so that any post by a friend can be instantly viewed to make it easier and more convenient to use. In other examples, when the UCD 30 display comprises a touch screen, the user 10 can turn the pages or tabs correlating to the months with their fingers just like reading a book. The cover and each page can be illuminated so the user can see the displayed content better (if/as needed) . In further examples, each golfbook will have a drop down keyboard available or by the users own keyboard and be controlled by either function . In further examples, the owner of the book can place links to pictures and videos etc, to be accessed by those he invites to be friends. In another example, one function of the book will be a site that can be public if so desired that will be a mini book with the chapters consisting of par 3/4/5 stories to be shared of all their experiences or stories with others. It is to be further appreciated that many other features and operations may be made available via the golfbook, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill.

[0133] Layers of Benefits under the Hosted GBDS Environment [0134] It is thus appreciated that various layer of benefits are provided to multiple parties via the hosted GBDS environment according to the various systems and methods herein described. Certain such further examples are provided for purpose of illustration, without limitation, below.

[0135] There are multiple layers of financial advantages provided by transforming the golf ball and the practice event into an engaged sponsor- golfer relationship and related campaign. In one regard according to certain such examples, a portion (e.g . A%) of the cost to advertise via the hosted environment goes to build that sponsor's brand image. In certain further examples, that A% portion may comprise sub-portions of certain particular allocations and related benefits, such as for example a sub-portion of B% allocated to a brand's awareness/recognition with gifts/prizes given to the winners in their name; and with another sub-portion of C% allocated to a brand's respect/loyalty as a member/donor of a foundation that funds selected non-profits or other desired philanthropic activities or organizations, e.g. PGA or other form of golf instruction to qualifying children in their community. In another example, the data generated under the hosted GBDS environment is unique as it involves a churn of contests tied to practice event participations that are relatively perpetual and on-going in participatory nature without any fixed beginning, term, or ending. In still further examples, the hosted GBDS environment is structured according to territories and surveys that are tailored to strengthen a brand's weakness and research regarding their target consumers - golfers. In still another example, range balls are provided for free to cut practice facilities' costs and increase sales using the hosted contests. In still other examples, ball manufacturers benefit by increasing sales and market share of the range ball industry. In yet another example, the hosted GBDS environment is configured to promote and enhance success for the amateur golfer to become more involved with golf.

[0136] Among the various benefits herein described, it is further appreciated that the range ball (and related range ball dispenser, by association) is transformed according to the current systems and methods into an

advertising and marketing vehicle and tool. The systems and methods of this disclosure increase the value of the range ball to the golf industry, ball manufacturers, advertisers, golf courses and driving ranges and the golfer who uses these balls to practice golf. In changing the service and how the product (range ball) is used, the current disclosure transforms the meaning and value of golf practice and practice facilities to a new marketplace for goods, services, social networking, and market intelligence.

[0137] In certain examples, as the sponsors pay for the range balls that golf courses or driving ranges would otherwise pay for, they are thus provided for free to the practice facility itself. This also increases the value for the range ball manufacturer as it provides them a way to increase revenue (for the additional imprinting) and market share of the range ball market.

[0138] In other examples, golf practice facilities are provided free range balls every three months. This can provide either or both of savings to the golfers, and/or increased profits for the practice facility. In still further examples, hosted contests under the GBDS environment increase the amount of people using the driving range as they must be at the driving range to enter the contest. The hosted GBDS environment of this disclosure increases the value of the range ball by cutting cost and increasing sales at the driving range.

[0139] In other examples, a golfer can win prizes by entering a contest provided by sponsors when they are at a driving range, and new balls every three months to hit. Accordingly, the hosted GBDS environment increases the value of the range ball to the golfer.

[0140] In other examples, by placing their name and logo on range balls, a sponsor can reach golfers when they are where they want to be, doing what they want to be doing, in up to over 20 thousand locations, up to 365 days a year. In further such examples, the golf ball viewer - the practicing golfer - is rewarded with chances to win prizes and gifts from the company they have been intensely focused on repeatedly for 10 to 30 minutes at a time, burning a positive impression/feeling for that company both consciously and more deeply into their subconscious. This increases the value and the service to the sponsor.

[0141] While particular benefits are recognized by the detailed embodiments above regarding novel golf ball dispenser systems and practice facilities (and related user transactions), it is also recognized that such embodiments are also merely illustrative examples of yet broader aspects that are also contemplated under this disclosure. [0142] For example, it is appreciated that the above embodiments related to golf ball dispensers and related facilities are illustrative of broader aspects for providing a co-location responsive user transaction system .

[0143] According to one such aspect, a co-location responsive user transaction system (and related method) includes a geographical venue or arena at a first venue or arena location, and a feature at a second feature location within or co-located with the first venue or arena location. A mobile user computing device (UCD) also provided, according to this system and method, comprises at least one UCD computer processor (UCDP) configured to process a set of UCD instructions to communicate via a UCD antenna with a wireless communication network, and with a UCD user interface comprising a UCD input interface configured to receive UCD user inputs and a UCD display configured to display information to the user. The UCD is configured to initiate or conduct, at least in part, a user transaction via the UCD user interface in response to a co-location within a predetermined range between the UCD and the first and/or second location .

[0144] According to one mode of this aspect, the feature comprises a physical implement.

[0145] According to one embodiment under this mode, the implement comprises a dispenser configured to dispense at least one item to the user in response to a dispense input from the user. According to a further embodiment, the user transaction is initiated or conducted at least in part in response to the dispense input coinciding with the co-location. In still a further embodiment, the dispenser comprises a source of a plurality of said items. In yet a further embodiment, the plurality comprises N sets of said items, and each set correspond with a respectively unique user transaction that differs between sets. In yet still another further embodiment, each set corresponds with a unique respective sponsor, and the respectively unique user transaction for the set is associated with the sponsor. In another further embodiment, the user transaction comprises at least in part a contest that is hosted by, comprises prizes sponsored by, or is otherwise associated with the respective sponsor corresponding with the respective item dispensed .

[0146] According to another mode of this broader system and method aspect of this disclosure, the feature comprises an activity. In one further embodiment of this, the activity comprises a game. In another further embodiment, the game comprises a sport. In still another further

embodiment, the sport comprises golf.

[0147] It is also appreciated that other aspects, modes, embodiments, features, or variations herein described by reference to golf ball dispenser systems and related methods are similarly contemplated for other types of venues and features/activities, including without limitation as may be applied according to one of ordinary skill to this system (& method), and related modes and embodiments, as described immediately above.

[0148] In one such regard, for example, the present disclosure is

particularly and uniquely beneficial to golf, and leveraging unique dynamics regarding golf and driving ranges or other practice facilities and related methods and implements. Nonetheless, however, additional embodiments contemplated apply the systems and methods herein disclosed to other sports or activities than golf, and to other features or implements than golf ball dispensers (GBDs).

[0149] Certain such examples include applications of various user

transaction aspects, such as contests, which in some regards may be similar as among the embodiments herein described and in other regards may be further expanded or modified to fit a particular need or circumstance according to one of ordinary skill based on this disclosure.

[0150] In one such example, for illustration purposes, various aspects of this disclosure could apply to different venues for different sports, such as e.g. basketball, baseball, football, soccer, or others. In one mode, again for example, a user transaction can be initiated or conducted based on a colocation determination of a user with the venue where such a sport or game is being conducted, e.g. fan in the stands. Co-location triggered user transactions, such as for example various contests (e.g. as contemplated among the detailed embodiments herein described), could be applicable to such sporting event attendance. This provides a unique benefit, for example, to stimulate more fan attendance when such potential rewards or prizes can be tied to attendance. This of course, is uniquely benefited by a fan's

(user's) mobile phone that provides for an automated co-location

determination to establish the 'user' fan is in attendance, and still more so to trigger the user transaction (e.g. contest entry) based on that via an app on that mobile phone. Such potential rewards can be Yeal-time' during the event or activity, or can be remote in time and/or location or venue/process for receipt.

[0151] In another regard, in further examples, certain aspects of this disclosure could be applied instead to activities and presence remote from a particular event. For example, as a spectator watching on television, radio, internet, etc. At periods during a broadcast, such as for example but not limited to a commercial break or a "timeout," the broadcast can present a question or ad that contains content or another trigger to enter a contest or other user transaction . For example, entering a user input to coincide temporally with a 'trigger' activity in the broadcast could provide a surrogate for 'co-location' determination of the other embodiments described above. Such a broadcast may also provide content, such as for example identifying a code (e.g . 1234, or #abcd, etc.) to enter a contest for a reward or benefit, such as for example during an N BA basketball game for a new pair of basketball shoes (or as further illustration examples, tickets to a next game, refund reward for tickets of the game being attended (in the event broadcast during attendance)), etc.

[0152] According to a still further detailed example, also for illustration, an N BA app can be opened, and such a code or other user input can be entered into the app (or a location determination or temporal determination may be made as a trigger), and one or more survey questions or other query(s) may be presented. Such queries may be related to a sponsor, e.g. NIKE for example, and for example the user's participation in the system and per their response inputs provides the user one or more entries into the sponsored contest (e.g. again, shoes, tickets, etc.).

[0153] As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill, this could be similarly implemented for other sports or other activities, such as football (e.g. N FL) just to provide another example for illustration. The user's mobile phone app may be the same app for multiple such venues or activities, and related contents or other user transactions to be conducted around them, in which case there may also be an opt in or opt out option for the user to choose what and where participation is desired . Such levels of participation choices may also themselves relate to levels of rewards/prizes (or related contests) available to the user. For example, participating in at least X venues (e.g. N FL, N BA, etc.) gets a user to the "A" level of one or more contests and/or prize(s), whereas a user participating in X+Y more hosted venues via the application might get that user to a higher A+B level of contest(s) and/or prize(s) .

[0154] Another contemplated approach, either instead of or addition to other aspects described, charges the user a 'cost' for augmented participation in more or higher value contests or prizes. Such 'cost' may be actual charges to the user, or may be for example exposure to more requirements to participate, e.g . more queries, more exposures to advertising content, etc.

[0155] As similarly described with respect to hosted activities or venues, other co-location triggers for user transactions via the current embodiments are also contemplated . For example, a restaurant, store, related 'chains' of multiple such related venues, or other location may be identified as the location for which co-location with the user (e.g. via its identified mobile phone or other form of wireless computing device) is used to trigger a user transaction as featured in various of the aspects herein disclosed.

[0156] Although illustrative embodiments are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying Figures, variations to specific embodiments and details are encompassed by this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of embodiments described herein be interpreted broadly, except where expressly limited . In one regard, each feature or embodiment described or shown herein is considered to provide individual beneficial use, without necessarily requiring combination with other embodiments unless expressly limited to only such combination . In another regard, however, it is also contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments - including such combinations that may not be specifically described or shown herein, as apparent to one of ordinary skill based on the totality of this disclosure. Thus, absence of describing such specific combinations does not preclude such combinations from the intended scope that are contemplated and/or may be claimed herein, either specifically for such combination or as included within a broader scope intended to cover such combination among other possible embodiments.

[0157] In context of the foregoing, certain aspects, modes, embodiments, features, and variations of the present disclosure are further described in various statements below. It is to be thus appreciated that each such statement should be considered both independently of, but also in various combinations with (even if not expressly described in each such potential combination), other aspects, modes, embodiments, features, and variations elsewhere herein shown and/or described, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill based on a review of the totality of this disclosure. Moreover, while certain statements are made herein by reference to various systems and their related components, certain further aspects of this disclosure also contemplate various methods related to those systems, including for performing the various operations provided by the systems described above or elsewhere hereunder this disclosure. Conversely, still further aspects of this disclosure include such various systems, including as may comprise one or more cooperating components, configured to perform one or more of the operations herein described as part of one or methods.

[0158] Further modes, embodiments, features, and variations of the methods described above are also contemplated, such as for example as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill for performing the various methods contemplated for using the systems (and related components) described above.

[0159] Although illustrative embodiments have been described in detail herein, including in some regards by reference to the accompanying drawings, variations to such specific embodiments and details as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill are encompassed by this disclosure despite not being specifically shown or described. It is intended that the scope of embodiments described herein be defined by claims and their equivalents. However, the right is preserved and not waived to claim various aspects, modes, embodiments, or features or variations disclosed herein despite such being absent from the originally or later filed claims. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features or parts of other embodiments. Such further combinations may be claimed based on this disclosure despite not being expressly shown or described or included in the originally filed claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS :

1. A golf ball dispensing system, comprising:

a golf ball dispenser (GBD) with

a GBD reservoir,

a volume of golf balls contained within the GBD reservoir, a GBD port, and

a GBD operating system (GBD-OS) comprising a GBD user

interface configured to receive a GBD user input from a user and a GBD controller configured to dispense the volume of golf balls from the GBD reservoir and through the GBD port in response to the GBD user input;

a mobile user computing device (UCD) comprising at least one UCD computer processor (UCDP) configured to process a set of UCD instructions to communicate via a UCD antenna with a wireless communication network, and with a UCD user interface comprising a UCD input interface configured to receive UCD user inputs and a UCD display configured to display information to the user; and

wherein the UCD is configured to initiate or conduct, at least in part, a user transaction via the UCD user interface in response to a proximate co- location within a predetermined range between the UCD and the GBD.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising :

a co-location system (CLS) configured to determine the proximate co- location between the UCD and the GBD.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the CLS comprises:

a CLS wireless antenna; and

at least one CLS computer processor (CLSP) coupled to the wireless communication network via the CLS wireless antenna and configured to process a set of CLS operating instructions to determine the proximate co- location between the UCD and the GBD in response to at least one location input associated with a wireless signal received via the CLS wireless antenna.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein :

the CLS further comprises a CLS user interface configured to receive a CLS user input; and

the CLS is configured to identify the proximate co-location between the GBD and UCD at least in part in response to the CLS user input.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein :

the CLS user input comprises the UCD user input.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein :

the CLS user input comprises the GBD user input.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the GBD further comprises:

a GBD antenna :

a GBD computer processor (GBDP) configured to process a set of GBD operating instructions to communicate via the GBD antenna with the UCD computer processor via the UCD antenna over a GBD-UCD wireless connection; and

wherein at least one said location input is associated with a wireless location signal transmitted across the GBD-UCD wireless connection .

8. The system of claim 7, wherein :

the at least one wireless location signal comprises a feature that represents a distance between the respective GBD and UCD antennas; and the CLS determines the proximate co-location based at least in part upon the feature.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein :

the feature comprises a power level of the wireless location signal received at one of said respective GBD and UCD antennas following transmission from the other respective antenna.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein :

the GBD-UCD wireless connection has a limited connection range for a successful reception at one respective antenna of the wireless location signal transmitted from the other respective antenna;

the predetermined range comprises the connection range; and the co-location determination is based at least in part on recognizing the successful reception.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein :

the at least one CLSP comprises at least one of the UCDP and GBDP.

12. The system of claim 3, further comprising:

a GBD antenna;

a GBD computer processor (GBDP) configured to process a set of GBD operating instructions to communicate via the GBD antenna over a wireless communication network;

wherein at least one of the UCDP and GBDP is configured to transmit a wireless signal that is encoded with a unique respective identification (ID) that uniquely identifies the respective UCD or GBD over the wireless communication network; and

the CLS is further configured to initiate the user transaction in a unique association with at least one of the respective UCD and GBD in response to the ID encoded wireless signal transmission .

13. The system of claim 3, wherein :

the GBD further comprises a GBD position sensor that is wirelessly coupled to a global positioning system (GPS) to identify a first geographic location of the GBD via a first set of GBD-GPS coordinates;

the UCD further comprises a UCD position sensor that is also wirelessly coupled to the GPS to identify a second geographic location of the UCD via a second set of UCD-GPS coordinates; and

wherein the CLS is further configured to receive and calculate a distance between GBD-GPS and UCD-GPS coordinates, and to thereby determine the co-location between the GBD and UCD when the calculated distance meets a distance threshold.

14. The system of claim 3, wherein the CLS comprises:

a remote processing system (RPS) that is remotely located separately apart from the GBD and UCD, and comprising at least one RPS antenna and at least one RPS computer processor that is configured to process a set of RPS operating instructions to communicate wirelessly with the UCD via the wireless communication network between the RPS antenna and the UCD antenna.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a remote processing system (RPS) that is remotely located separately apart from the GBD and UCD, and comprising at least one RPS antenna and at least one RPS computer processor that is configured to process a set of RPS operating instructions to communicate wirelessly with the UCD via the wireless communication network between the RPS antenna and the UCD antenna; and

wherein the user transaction is conducted between the UCD and RPS over the wireless communication network in response to the co-location determination.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the RPS comprises at least a portion of the CLS.

17. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a user transaction system (UTS) comprising at least one UTS computer processor (UTSP) configured to process a set of UTS operating instructions to initiate or conduct at least in part the user transaction via the UCD in response to the co-location determination.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the user transaction comprises:

a set of queries displayed to the user via the UCD user interface display; and

a set of user responses to the corresponding set of queries and that are received as a respective set of the UCD user inputs via the UCD input interface.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein :

the UTS is configured to determine the set of queries at least in part by reference to at least one unique profile that is uniquely associated with at least one of the UCD, the user, and the GBD, respectively.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein :

the UTS comprises a first database of information records stored in a computer readable storage medium;

the UTS is configured to access the first database and recall at least one said unique record with information that comprises the at least one said unique profile, respectively; and

the UTS is further configured to cross-reference the respective unique profile to a second database of queries, and to determine the set of queries from the second database according to a sub-set of the UTS operating instructions that comprise a set of rules for corresponding queries to at least one feature of the respective unique profile.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein :

the at least one unique profile comprises a unique user profile associated with the UCD or the user; and

the UTS is configured to amend at least one of the unique user profile, the set of rules, and the second database of queries, based upon the user responses to the corresponding set of queries under the user transaction.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein :

the UTS is further configured to use the amended unique user profile, set of rules, or second database of queries, for determining a future set of queries under a future said user transaction, respectively, initiated or conducted in response to a future said co-location determination, also respectively.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein :

the at least one unique profile comprises a unique GBD profile that corresponds with the GBD.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein :

the unique GBD profile corresponds with a set of unique respective sponsor profiles;

the UTS is configured to choose a respective sponsor profile from the set of sponsor profiles and to determine the set of queries based at least in part upon the chosen sponsor profile; and

each said sponsor profile corresponds with a unique sponsor, respectively.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein :

the volume of golf balls in the GBD reservoir comprises a plurality of N unique sponsored golf ball sets; and

each golf ball of each respective sponsored golf ball set comprises a visible indicia associated with the unique sponsor for the respective set.

26. The system of claim 17, wherein :

the user transaction comprises an entry for or by the user into a contest for receiving a prize and conducted at least in part via the UTS.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein :

the contest comprises multiple increasing levels that correspond with unique respective prizes of increasing respective value;

each respective level corresponds with a unique respective qualifying condition; and

the UTS is configured to choose and assign a respective contest level to the contest entry by determining whether its respective qualifying condition is met.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein :

the respective qualifying conditions for the increasing contest levels, respectively, comprise respectively increasing numbers or frequencies of at least one of GBD user inputs and initiated user transactions in response to discrete co-location determinations, respectively.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein :

the respective qualifying conditions for the respective increasing contest levels comprise a respective increasing number or frequency of user responses, in response to corresponding queries displayed via the UTS to the user via the UCD user interface, received as UCD user inputs via the UCD input interface.

30. The system of claim 27, wherein :

the volume of golf balls in the GBD reservoir comprises a plurality of N unique sponsored golf ball sets;

each golf ball of each respective sponsored golf ball set comprises a visible indicia associated with a unique sponsor for the respective sponsored golf ball set; and

the UTS is configured to choose the contest from a plurality of contests, or a prize for the contest, to correspond with one of the respective sponsors.

31. The system of claim 26, wherein :

the UTS is further configured to provide multiple entries into the contest for the user and corresponding with a plurality of said user transactions initiated upon multiple said co-location determinations at different respective times.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein :

the different respective times comprise different calendar days.

33. The system of claim 17, wherein the UTS comprises:

34. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a set of multiple said GBDs; and

wherein the co-location is determined when the UCD is co-located within the predetermined range with any GBD of the set, or within a common general location for the set.

35. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a set of multiple said GBDs; and

wherein the co-location is uniquely determined with each respective GBD and corresponds with a unique respective user transaction

corresponding with the respective GBD.

36. The system of claim 7, wherein :

at least one of the GBD antenna and the respective GBDP comprises a peripheral device that is detachably coupled to the GBD.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein :

the GBD comprises a surface; and

the peripheral device comprises an adhesive attachment to the surface.

38. A golf ball responsive user transaction system, comprising:

at least one set of A golf balls, wherein A is an integer;

a mobile user computing device (UCD) of a user comprising at least one UCD computer processor (UCDP) configured to process a set of UCD instructions to communicate via a UCD antenna with a wireless

communication network, and with a UCD user interface comprising a UCD input interface configured to receive UCD user inputs and a UCD display configured to display information to the user; and

wherein the UCD is configured to initiate or conduct via the UCD user interface a user transaction at least in part in response to the UCD being co- located within a pre-determined range of at least one golf ball of the set.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein :

the user transaction is associated with a feature of the at least one golf ball of the set that is presented to the user.

40. The system of claim 39, further comprising:

a plurality of N said sets of golf balls;

wherein the features of the respective golf balls within each set is uniquely differentiated from the respectively unique feature of the respective golf balls of the other sets, respectively, such that a plurality of N said respectively unique features correspond with said N sets of golf balls, also respectively;

wherein said respective N features correspond with a set of N said user transactions, also respectively; and

wherein the user transaction is chosen from the set of N user transactions corresponding with the N sets of said golf balls, respectively.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the plurality of N respective unique features comprise a plurality N unique visible indicia located on the respective golf balls of each corresponding set of golf balls.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the chosen user transaction is related to a sponsor associated with the visible indicia.

43. A co-location responsive user transaction system, comprising :

a geographical venue at a venue location;

a feature at a feature location within the venue;

wherein the UCD is configured to initiate or conduct, at least in part, a user transaction via the UCD user interface in response to a co-location within a predetermined range between the UCD and the venue location or feature location.

44. The system of Claim 43, wherein the feature comprises a physical implement.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the implement comprises a dispenser configured to dispense at least one item to the user in response to a dispense input from the user.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the user transaction is initiated or conducted at least in part in response to the dispense input coinciding with the co-location.

47. The system of claim 45, wherein the dispenser comprises a source of a plurality of said items.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the plurality comprises N sets of said items, and each set correspond with a respectively unique user transaction that differs between sets.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein each set corresponds with a unique respective sponsor, and the respectively unique user transaction for the set is associated with the sponsor.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein the user transaction comprises at least in part a contest that is hosted by, comprises prizes sponsored by, or is otherwise associated with the respective sponsor corresponding with the respective item dispensed.

51. The system of claim 43, wherein the feature comprises an activity.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the activity comprises a game.

The system of claim 52, wherein the game comprises a sport.

54. The system of Claim 53, wherein the sport comprises golf.

55. A golf ball dispensing method, comprising :

providing a golf ball dispenser (GBD) with

a GBD reservoir,

a volume of golf balls contained within the GBD reservoir, a GBD port, and

a GBD operating system (GBD-OS) comprising a GBD user

providing a mobile user computing device (UCD) comprising at least one UCD computer processor (UCDP) configured to process a set of UCD instructions to communicate via a UCD antenna with a wireless

communication network, and with a UCD user interface comprising a UCD input interface configured to receive UCD user inputs and a UCD display configured to display information to the user;

determining a proximate co-location within a predetermined range between the UCD and the GBD; and

initiating or conducting, at least in part, a user transaction via the UCD user interface in response to the co-location determination .

56. The method of claim 55, further comprising :

determining the co-location between the UCD and GBD using a co- location system (CLS).

57. The method of claim 56, further comprising:

determining the co-location by using a CLS computer processor (CLSP) to process a set of CLS operating instructions in response to at least one location input associated with a wireless signal received over a wireless communication via a CLS wireless antenna.

58. The method of claim 57, further comprising:

determining the co-location at least in part in response to a CLS user input to a CLS user interface of the CLS.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the CLS user input comprises the UCD user input.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the CLS user input comprises the GBD user input.

61. The method of claim 57, further comprising:

determining the co-location at least in part in response to at least one said location input associated with a wireless location signal communicated across a GBD-UCD wireless connection via a GBD antenna and according to a GBD computer processor (GBDP) operating a set of GBD operating

instructions.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein :

63. The method of claim 62, wherein :

64. The method of claim 61, wherein :

the predetermined range comprises the connection range; and the co-location determination is based at least in part on recognizing the successful reception .

65. The method of claim 61, wherein :

the at least one CLSP comprises at least one of the UCDP and GBDP.

66. The method of claim 57, further comprising:

using at least one of the UCDP, and a GBD computer processor (GBDP) configured to process a set of GBD operating instructions to communicate via the GBD antenna over a wireless communication network, to transmit a wireless signal that is encoded with a unique respective identification (ID) that uniquely identifies the respective UCD or GBD over the wireless communication network; and

initiating or conducting at least in part the user transaction via the CLS in a unique association with at least one of the respective UCD and GBD in response to the ID encoded wireless signal transmission.

67. The method of claim57, further comprising :

wirelessly coupling a GBD position sensor to a global positioning system (GPS) to identify a first geographic location of the GBD via a first set of GBD-GPS coordinates;

wirelessly coupling a UCD position sensor to the GPS to identify a second geographic location of the UCD via a second set of UCD-GPS coordinates;

receiving and calculating a distance between GBD-GPS and UCD-GPS coordinates; and

determining the co-location between the GBD and UCD when the calculated distance meets a distance threshold.

68. The method of claim 57, further comprising:

remotely locating a remote processing system (RPS) of the CLS at a remote location that is separately apart from the GBD and UCD; and

processing a set of RPS operating instructions with at least one RPS computer processor to communicate wirelessly via the wireless

communication network between an RPS antenna and the UCD antenna.

69. The method of claim 55, further comprising:

at least in part initiating or conducting the user transaction between the UCD and the RPS over the wireless communication network in response to the co-location determination and in response to a wireless communication between the RPS antenna, which is coupled to at least one RPS computer processor operating a set of RPS operating instructions, and the UCD antenna.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the RPS comprises at least a portion of the CLS.

71. The method of claim 55, further comprising:

at least in part initiating or conducing the user transaction by operating a set of operating instructions of a user transaction system (UTS) by using at least one UTS computer processor (UTSP).

72. The method of claim 71, further comprising initiating or conducting the user transaction by:

displaying a set of queries to the user via the UCD user interface display; and

receiving a set of user responses to the corresponding set of queries as a respective set of the UCD user inputs via the UCD input interface.

73. The method of claim 72, further comprising :

determining the set of queries at least in part by referencing at least one unique profile that is uniquely associated with at least one of the UCD, the user, and the GBD, respectively.

74. The method of claim 73, further comprising:

accessing a first database of information records stored in a computer readable storage medium of the UTS; recalling from the first database at least one said unique record with information that comprises the at least one said unique profile, respectively; and

using the UTS to cross-reference the respective unique profile to a second database of queries and to determine the set of queries from the second database according to a sub-set of the UTS operating instructions that comprise a set of rules for corresponding queries to at least one feature of the respective unique profile.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein the at least one unique profile comprises a unique user profile associated with the UCD or the user, and further comprising:

amending at least one of the unique user profile, the set of rules, and the second database of queries, based upon the user responses to the corresponding set of queries under the user transaction.

76. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

using the amended unique user profile, set of rules, or second database of queries, for determining a future set of queries under a future said user transaction, respectively, initiated or conducted in response to a future said co-location determination, also respectively.

77. The method of claim 74, wherein :

78. The method of claim 77, further comprising:

corresponding the unique GBD profile with a set of unique respective sponsor profiles;

choosing a respective sponsor profile from the set of sponsor profiles; determining the set of queries based at least in part upon the chosen sponsor profile; and

wherein each said sponsor profile corresponds with a unique sponsor, respectively.

79. The method of claim 78, further comprising:

providing the volume of golf balls in the GBD reservoir with a plurality of N unique sponsored golf ball sets; and

providing each golf ball of each respective sponsored golf ball set comprises a visible indicia associated with the unique sponsor for the respective set.

80. The method of claim 71, further comprising:

at least in part conducting the user transaction by receiving an entry for or by the user into a contest for receiving a prize and that is conducted at least in part via the UTS.

81. The method of claim 80, further comprising:

conducting the contest with multiple increasing levels that correspond with unique respective prizes of increasing respective value;

corresponding each respective level with a unique respective qualifying condition; and

choosing and assigning a respective contest level to the contest entry by determining whether its respective qualifying condition is met.

82. The method of claim 81, further comprising:

setting the respective qualifying conditions for the increasing contest levels, respectively, to comprise respectively increasing numbers or frequencies of at least one of GBD user inputs and initiated user transactions in response to discrete co-location determinations, respectively.

83. The method of claim 81, further comprising:

setting the respective qualifying conditions for the respective increasing contest levels to comprise a respective increasing number or frequency of user responses, in response to corresponding queries displayed via the UTS to the user via the UCD user interface, received as UCD user inputs via the UCD input interface.

84. The method of claim 81, further comprising:

providing the volume of golf balls in the GBD reservoir with a plurality of N unique sponsored golf ball sets;

providing each golf ball of each respective sponsored golf ball set with a visible indicia associated with a unique sponsor for the respective sponsored golf ball set; and

choosing, via the UTS, the contest from a plurality of contests, or a prize for the contest, to correspond with one of the respective sponsors.

85. The method of claim 82, further comprising :

processing multiple entries into the contest for the user and

corresponding with a plurality of said user transactions initiated upon multiple said co-location determinations at different respective times.

86. The method of claim 85, wherein the different respective times comprise different calendar days.

87. The method of claim 71, further comprising operating the UTS by: remotely locating a remote processing system (RPS), comprising at least one RPS antenna and at least one RPS computer processor, separately apart from the GBD and UCD; and

operating the RPS computer processor to process a set of RPS operating instructions to communicate wirelessly with the UCD via the wireless communication network between the RPS antenna and the UCD antenna.

88. The method of claim 55, further comprising:

providing a set of multiple said GBDs; and

determining the co-location when the UCD is co-located within the predetermined range with any GBD of the set, or within a common general location for the set.

89. The method of claim 55, further comprising:

providing a set of multiple said GBDs;

determining the co-location uniquely with each respective GBD; and corresponding each respectively unique co-location determination with a unique respective user transaction corresponding with the respectively co- located GBD.

90. The method of claim 61, further comprising:

detachably coupling at least one of the GBD antenna and the respective GBDP as a peripheral device to the GBD.

91. The method of claim 90, further comprising :

attaching the peripheral device to a surface of the GBD.

92. A user transaction method that is responsive to a user's co-location with a golf practice facility, comprising :

providing at least one set of A golf balls, wherein A is an integer; providing a mobile user computing device (UCD) of the user comprising at least one UCD computer processor (UCDP) configured to process a set of UCD instructions to communicate via a UCD antenna with a wireless communication network, and with a UCD user interface comprising a UCD input interface configured to receive UCD user inputs and a UCD display configured to display information to the user; and

at least in part initiating or conducting, via the UCD user interface, a user transaction at least in part in response to the UCD being co-located within a pre-determined range of at least one golf ball of the set.

93. The method of claim 92, further comprising:

associating the user transaction with a feature of the at least one golf ball of the set that is presented to the user.

94. The method of claim 93, further comprising:

providing a plurality of N said sets of golf balls;

uniquely differing the feature of the respective golf balls within each set from the respectively unique feature of the respective golf balls of the other sets, respectively, such that a plurality of N said respectively unique features correspond with said N sets of golf balls, also respectively; corresponding each of said respective N features with a discrete one of a set of N said user transactions, also respectively; and

choosing from the set of N user transactions to correspond with the N sets of said golf balls, respectively.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein :

the plurality of N respective unique features comprises a plurality N unique visible indicia located on the respective golf balls of each

corresponding set of golf balls.

96. The method of claim 95, further comprising:

associating the chosen user transaction with a sponsor associated with the visible indicia.

97. A co-location responsive user transaction method, comprising:

providing a geographical venue at a venue location;

providing a feature at a feature location within the venue;

initiating or conducting, at least in part, a user transaction via the UCD user interface in response to a co-location within a predetermined range between the UCD and the venue location or feature location.

98. The method of Claim 97, wherein the feature comprises a physical implement.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the implement comprises a dispenser, and further comprising:

dispensing at least one item to the user in response to a dispense input from the user.

100. The method of claim 99, further comprising:

initiating or conducting, at least in part, the user transaction in response to the dispense input coinciding with the co-location.

101. The method of claim 99, wherein the dispenser comprises a source of a plurality of said items.

102. The method of claim 101, wherein the plurality comprises N sets of said items, and further comprising :

corresponding each of the N sets of said items with a respectively unique user transaction that differs between sets.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein each set corresponds with a unique respective sponsor, and further comprising :

associating the respectively unique user transaction for the set with the sponsor.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein the user transaction comprises at least in part a contest that is hosted by, comprises prizes sponsored by, or is otherwise associated with the respective sponsor corresponding with the respective item dispensed.

105. The method of claim 97, wherein the feature comprises an activity.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein the activity comprises a game.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein the game comprises a sport.

108. The method of Claim 107, wherein the sport comprises golf.