U.S. patent application number 09/834685 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-13 for hole-in-one golf video registration system.
Invention is credited to Cleveland, Kenneth R..
Application Number | 20010021673 09/834685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22390626 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010021673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cleveland, Kenneth R. |
September 13, 2001 |
Hole-in-one golf video registration system
Abstract
Charitable donations may be made by purchasing hole-in-one
insurance and verified by recorded video images derived from
appropriately situated cameras. Often, especially with respect to
charitable functions in association with golf tournaments,
hole-in-one insurance is purchased that pays the person insured if
a hole-in-one is made on the hole for which the insurance is
purchased. The purchase of such insurance generates proceeds for a
selected charity, the purchase price exceeding that needed to
purchase the insurance policy. The present invention provides
geographically local and convenient purchase of such insurance on a
hole-by-hole basis. A central unit acts as a control where ATM,
credit card, or specially purchased magnetic cards or the like may
be used to purchase or indicate the purchase of such insurance. The
transaction is validated with appropriate displays presented to the
user. The keypad may also be used for data input, such as ATM
personal identification numbers (PIN). Video cassette recorders and
video editing equipment may provide means by which the resulting
golf shot may be recorded. A certain adequate but limited amount of
time may be given to the golfer in order to complete the shot.
Financial transaction verification processes may be engaged so that
the transactions are validated and the appropriate charity is
credited with the donation for the purchase of the insurance.
Inventors: |
Cleveland, Kenneth R.;
(Agoura, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kamran Fattahi, Esq.
Kelly Bauersfeld Lowry & Kelley, LLP
Suite 1650
6320 Canoga Avenue
Woodland Hills
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
22390626 |
Appl. No.: |
09/834685 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09834685 |
Apr 13, 2001 |
|
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09120489 |
Jul 21, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0605
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/131 |
International
Class: |
A63B 057/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf video hole-in-one registration and verification system,
comprising: user-accessible database means for registering a
hole-in-one shot attempt code in association with a specific
golfer, said database means further including means for
electronically receiving a financial contribution and for
validating said shot attempt code upon receipt of said financial
contribution; an activation unit positioned generally adjacent the
tee of a selected golf course hole, said activation unit including
means for inputting a registered and validated shot attempt code
and for responding thereto to activate at least one tee camera and
at least one green camera positioned respectively at the tee and
green of the selected golf course hole, said at least one tee
camera producing a video record of activity on the tee and said at
least one green camera producing a video record of activity on the
green to record a hole-in-one shot attempt; at least one processor
unit coupled to said tee and green cameras for digitally storing
the video records produced by said tee and green cameras; and
verification means coupled to said at least one processor unit for
accessing the video record of each hole-in-one shot attempt to
permit review and verification of a successful hole-in-one shot
attempt.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said database means is
user-accessible via an Internet web site.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said database means is
user-accessible via a remote access terminal.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said database means includes means
for receiving and registering a shot attempt number, and for
prompting a user to enter a unique and user-selected personal
identification number (PIN) in association with said shot attempt
number, said shot attempt number and PIN collectively comprising
said shot attempt code.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for electronically
receiving a financial contribution comprises means for receiving
said contribution by credit/debit card payment.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said user-accessible database
means further includes means for user-selection of at least one
entity from a list of multiple entities to receive a portion of
said financial contribution.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said database means includes means
for spreading said financial contribution among a plurality of
different financial accounts.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein activation unit includes keypad
means for inputting a registered and validated shot attempt
code.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein said activation unit further
includes a user-viewable video display screen.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said activation unit includes a
card reader for automatically reading information on a game
card.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said activation unit is coupled
to said database means.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein said activation unit includes a
substantially weatherproof housing having said at least one
processor unit container therein.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one tee camera
comprises a pair of tee cameras for providing redundant video
records of activity on the tee.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one green camera
comprises a pair of green cameras for providing redundant video
records of activity on the green.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein said pair of green cameras
provide said redundant video records at different recording
speeds.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one processor unit
comprises a computer having a disk drive for storing the video
record provided by said tee and green cameras.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein said at least one processor unit
is programmed for deleting the video record provided by said tee
and green cameras at the end of a predetermined time interval.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein said activation unit is
responsive to input of a registered and validated shot attempt code
to activating said tee and green cameras for a predetermined
limited time interval.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein said activation unit further
including means for communicating the conclusion of said
predetermined limited time interval to a user.
20. The system of claim 1 further including shot reporting means
coupled to said verification means for user-reporting of a
successful hole-in-one shot attempt.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein said shot reporting means
comprises a reporting terminal coupled to said verification means
and including means for inputting a registered and validated shot
attempt code.
22. The system of claim 1 wherein said verification means is
located remote from said at least one processor unit.
23. The system of claim 1 wherein said activation unit comprises a
plurality of activation units each respectively positioned
generally adjacent a different selected tee of a corresponding
plurality of selected golf course holes.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein said user-accessible database
means includes means for registering and validating a shot attempt
code to permit a plurality of hole-in-one shot attempts.
25. A golf video hole-in-one registration and verification method,
comprising the steps of: user-accessing a database for registering
a hole-in-one shot attempt code in association with a specific
golfer, and for electronically making a financial contribution;
database-validating the shot attempt code upon receipt of the
financial contribution; inputting a registered and validated shot
attempt code to an activation unit positioned generally adjacent
the tee of a selected golf course hole; responding to the inputted
registered and validated shot attempt code to produce separate
video records of activity on the tee and activity on the green
associated with a hole-in-one shot attempt; digitally storing the
separate video records; and subsequently accessing the separate
video records to permit review and verification of a successful
hole-in-one shot attempt.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein said database user-accessing
step comprises accessing an Internet web site.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein said database user-accessing
step comprises accessing a remote database access terminal.
28. The method of claim 25 wherein said database user-accessing
step comprises user-input of a shot attempt number, and
database-prompting the user to enter a unique and user-selected
personal identification number (PIN) in association with said shot
attempt number, said shot attempt number and PIN collectively
comprising said shot attempt code.
29. The method of claim 25 wherein electronic contribution step
comprises a credit/debit card payment step.
30. The method of claim 25 wherein said database user-accessing
step further comprises user-selection of at least one entity from a
list of multiple entities to receive a portion of said financial
contribution.
31. The method of claim 25 wherein said activation unit is coupled
to said database.
32. The method of claim 25 wherein said step of producing separate
video records comprises providing redundant video records of
activity on the tee and on the green.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein said step of providing redundant
video records of activity on the green comprises producing said
redundant video records with a least a pair of green cameras
operated at different recording speeds.
34. The method of claim 25 wherein said of digitally storing said
video records comprises storing the video records on a computer
disk drive.
35. The method of claim 34 further including the step of deleting
the stored video records at the end of a predetermined time
interval.
36. The method of claim 25 wherein said step of responding to an
inputted registered and validated shot attempt code to produce said
video records comprises the step of activating tee and green
cameras for a predetermined limited time interval.
37. The method of claim 25 further including step of reporting a
successful hole-in-one shot attempt to verification staff.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein said shot reporting step
comprises user-accessing a reporting terminal.
39. The method of claim 37 further including the step of remotely
accessing the stored video records for verifying a successful
hole-in-one shot attempt.
40. The method of claim 25 wherein said activation unit comprises a
plurality of activation units each respectively positioned
generally adjacent a different selected tee of a corresponding
plurality of selected golf course holes.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein said database user-accessing
step comprises registering and validating a shot attempt code to
permit a plurality of hole-in-one shot attempts.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S.
Ser. No. 09/120,489, filed Jul. 21, 1998.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to golf shot surveillance systems and
more particularly to a pay-per-shot surveillance system for use in
conjunction with "hole-in-one" insurance for charitable or other
purposes.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The game of golf is generally known from Scottish days of
yore. In golf, clubs are used to drive small balls great distances
into a small hole or cup. Challenges in the game of golf arise from
terrain that tends to work against the golfer from delivering the
ball to the cup. Such obstacles include dog legs, rough grass,
trees, sand traps, and difficult inclines and slopes.
[0006] Generally, most holes on a golf course are par three or
more. In other words, it takes at least three shots or strokes to
get the ball into the cup. Good or great golfers often go below par
and sink the ball into the cup by taking fewer than the par number
of shots for the hole. A score that is one below par for a hole is
known as a birdie and two below par is an eagle.
[0007] While birdies may be common for strong golfers, eagles are
less so. Far more rare is the hole-in-one. Holes-in-one occur so
infrequently that they are often subject to television rebroadcast
when they are captured on video. The hole-in-one in golf is much
like the triple play in baseball in that it occurs rarely and is an
example of exceptional play.
[0008] The rarity of a hole-in-one golf shot is widely known. Some
estimate the probability at approximately 1 in 10,000.
Consequently, there has arisen in some golfing communities
fund-raising activities centered upon this small but actual chance
of sinking a hole-in-one. Any player who can drive the golf ball
from the tee to the green has the possibility of making a
hole-in-one. Many golf courses have holes of distances on the order
of 200 yards, making the hole-in-one a distinct, but rare,
possibility for all players.
[0009] One means of such fund-raising is the payment of "insurance"
that pays off in the unlikely circumstance that a hole-in-one is
made. Such insurance may pay off not only to the golfer as a reward
for his lucky shot, but also to a charity of his or her choice.
Generally, a payment on the order of ten percent is made to the
golfer while eighty or ninety percent goes to the charity. The
remaining portion may go to administration of the insurance with
(as set forth in more detail below) the accompanying necessary
equipment required for validation of the hole-in-one.
Alternatively, the golfer may pay a higher fee for the insurance,
with the surplus over the necessary insurance payment and cost of
the necessary equipment required for validation of the hole-in-one
going to charity. In this way, the charity benefits with every
participant and a person sinking a hole-in-one receives a much
higher reward. However, there are limitations to this type of fund
raising activity. For example, since a hole-in-one must be
adequately witnessed before the prize is paid, such fund raising
activity is normally used in conjunction with a one-day tournament
sponsored by a particular charity. As a result, the golfer is
normally restricted to contributing to the particular charity
sponsoring the tournament, and is unable to contribute to other
charities.
[0010] Currently, a prior patent to Vincent (U.S. Pat. No.
5,102,140 issued Apr. 7, 1992) provides a basic means by which
recording a hole-in-one may be automated, thereby eliminating the
requirement for a witness. In the Vincent '140 patent,
coin-operated controls activate a camera and a recording system.
However, the camera must focus along the entirety of the golf
course hole, something very difficult for a camera to do, as the
focal point is generally not along the 100 to 300 yard distance the
hole must take in order for there to be a hole-in-one.
Additionally, certain inconveniences arise in the Vincent '140
patent with respect to spontaneous payment and the like in that a
golfer may not necessarily have coins or tokens or prepaid slips or
the like in his pockets which would activate the recording
system.
[0011] Consequently, there are improvements to be made in the
recording of golf shots that might result in the rare hole-in-one.
By improving upon and advancing the art as it is currently known,
the present invention provides advantageous and useful means by
which such charity funds may be raised and video recordation of a
hole-in-one may occur.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention resides in an improved hole-in-one
golf video registration system that provides better coverage of the
hole shot by the golfer as well as more convenient and proficient
means by which the possible hole-in-one may be recorded for
subsequent verification. The present invention further provides a
new and improved system for the collection and pay-out of funds
donated to charities, including a new and improved system for
tracking and auditing all transactions to deter and eliminate
fraudulent activities.
[0013] In the preferred form, first and second cameras are located
at the tee and the hole, respectively. An activation unit, possibly
associated with the tee camera, receives input as by swiped
magnetic striped card in order to activate the camera and recording
system. The video signals from the cameras may be combined in a
split screen fashion in order to provide temporal coordination
between the golfer's shot and the ball's landing on the tee.
Additionally, a clock or the like can time the ball's flight in
order to ensure that the ball hit by the golfer is the one that
sinks in the cup. Additionally, other cameras could also be used to
focus upon different aspects of the golf ball's flight,
particularly that of the golf ball as it soars over the
fairway.
[0014] In one embodiment, a financial transaction station effects
the charitable transaction via an electronic signal transceiver or
the like. Upon confirmation of the transaction, the golfer may
select the charity of choice. A receipt memorializing the
transaction for tax purposes may be printed. Initiated by an
activation signal, the ensuing golf shot may be recorded to
evidence a hole-in-one, substantiating the golfer's right to
collect upon the paid insurance.
[0015] In other embodiments, a golfer may obtain a game card
bearing a unique game card number, or otherwise obtain a game or
shot attempt number, and then activate the game number in
association with a personal identification number (PIN) as by
accessing a system web site on the Internet. The appropriate
contribution may be collected electronically at the time of game
number activation, conveniently by credit or debit card payment and
in a manner permitting the golfer to select one or more designated
charitable organizations to receive a portion of the contribution.
An activation unit at the golf course tee is then accessed as by
entry of a code including the shot attempt number and PIN to
indicate that the golfer is ready to make an attempt at achieving a
hole-in-one on a participating golf course hole. Tee and green
cameras are activated for a defined time interval to provide a
video record, preferably with redundant back-up, linked to a
processor unit such as a computer which records and stores the
video record in digital form on a hard disk. In the event that a
successful hole-in-one is achieved, a reporting terminal may be
provided at the golf course such as in a pro shop or clubhouse
facility for automated report, after which the video record of the
purported winning shot is accessed and retrieved remotely for
review by administrative staff personnel before prize money is
awarded.
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
hole-in-one golf video registration system that provides focused
inspection of the golf shot at the tee and the cup.
[0017] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide an improved hole-in-one golf video registration system.
[0018] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a hole-in-one golf video registration system that uses a convenient
payment means for activation.
[0019] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from a review of the following
specification and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a camera in a housing with
its angular view of the tee;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a camera in a housing with its
angular view of the green and cup;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the hole-in-one golf video
registration system of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of an equipment housing
for a video camera and/or activation circuitry for the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the housing of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the housing of FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the housing of FIG. 4;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the housing of FIG. 4 shown
with a partial cut away section;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a front perspective detailed view of the housing
of FIG. 4 showing a microphone, an LCD monitor (both partially in
phantom), and a card reader;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic flow chart of the keypad or card
swipe video activation process;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic flow chart of the card processing
procedure confirming the transaction;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic flow chart depicting golfer
registration in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment
of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a continuation of the registration flow chart of
FIG. 12;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic flow chart illustrating process
flow of the financial transaction associated with the embodiment of
FIG. 12;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a preferred activation
unit for installation generally at a tee on a selected golf course
hole;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic flow chart depicting process steps
implemented by the activation unit of FIG. 15;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, but
illustrating an alternative embodiment including a pair of cameras
at the tee for recording a golf shot;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 2, but
illustrating an alternative embodiment including a pair of cameras
at the green for recording a golf shot;
[0039] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 3,
showing operation of the cameras and the tee and green for
recording a golf shot;
[0040] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic flow chart depicting actions for
reporting a winning golf shot in accordance with an alternative
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 21 is a continuation of the flow chart of FIG. 20;
and
[0042] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic flow chart showing process steps
for verifying a winning golf shot in accordance with the
alternative preferred form of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to
represent the only forms in which the present invention may be
constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions
and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the
invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to
be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and
sequence may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also
intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0044] FIGS. 1 through 11 show pertinent portions of the present
invention that achieves a hole-in-one golf video registration
system in a reliable and user-friendly manner.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, two cameras may be used to provide the
recordable video signal necessary for confirming holes-in-one. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention 30 may use a pair of
cameras in order to respectively monitor and temporally coordinate
activity at the tee and the green. The tee camera 32 is positioned
so that it can visually monitor the activities on the tee, a
limited playing area at the beginning of every golf course hole.
Similarly, the green camera 34 is situated so that it can monitor
activity on the green, particularly in the area of the cup or hole.
Like the tee, the green is also a limited playing area that is
generally easily monitored by video cameras. In order to make the
cameras less obtrusive, they may be positioned in trees or other
natural objects present on the golf course so that they do not
distract from the pastoral surroundings. Both the tee camera 32 and
the green camera 34 may be of known construction, but should be
shielded from the elements as the electronic components may be
detrimentally subject to wind, rain, and the weather.
[0046] The tee camera 32 is supplied with power from a camera power
supply 40. The output from the tee camera 32 is transmitted by a
video distribution amp 42 to a video splitter 44 and a video
switcher 46. The video splitter 44 may be in series with or
parallel to the video switcher 46.
[0047] The same is similarly true for the power supply and video
output stream of the green camera 34. A green camera power supply
50 supplies the green camera 34 with operating power. The video
output stream from the green camera 34 is transmitted to a green
camera video distribution amp 52 which signal is subsequently split
and transmitted to the video splitter 44 and the video switcher
46.
[0048] The video splitter 44 combines the two images recorded by
the cameras 32, 34 so that they appear side by side on the same
screen. In order to ensure coordination of the video streams,
timing stamps or the like can be incorporated into the video
streams to ensure that they are recording at the same time. A first
video recorder 60 times both cameras so that an exact comparison
can be made of the times associated with each camera. The timing
stamp, time-date generator, or the like is built into the video
recorder 60 that is used simultaneously by all cameras.
[0049] The video output from the video splitter 44 is transmitted
to a first video cassette recorder 60 (VCR1). A separate signal is
transmitted to a second video cassette recorder 62 (VCR2) in order
to provide two copies of the rare hole-in-one event. Each VCR is
equipped with auto-repeat recording capability such that when the
tape reaches its end, it will rewind automatically to the beginning
and starts recording again. Furthermore, when the administrator of
the system is informed that a hole-in-one has been made, the tapes
are immediately retrieved for verification and confirmation
purposes, and replacement tapes are inserted into each VCR unit for
continued operation.
[0050] The video switcher 46 may exercise power control over the
cameras 32, 34 by regulating and controlling the state of the
associated power supplies 40, 50. A microphone 64 may be present in
association with the tee camera 32. The signal from the microphone
64 may be passed to a microphone mixer 66 which signal is
subsequently transmitted to the video switcher 46. A card swipe
reader 68 reads cards with magnetic stripes or the like swiped
through it by the golfer seeking to record his or her hole-in-one.
The card swipe reader data signal is transmitted to the first VCR
60 where the information may be encoded into the video signal to
associate the card swipe with the golf shot.
[0051] The entire system of the present invention 30 may be
supplied with 110 volt AC power and may be regulated by an on/off
switch and a timer. The 110 volt AC power 70 may be used to control
the operation of the present invention 30 and may be associated
with the card swipe reader, forcing the card to be swiped in order
for power to be supplied to the components of the present invention
30.
[0052] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a
third camera (not shown) having a camera power supply (not shown)
and a video distribution amp (not shown) may be utilized to focus
on the fairway and videotape the flight of the golf ball over the
fairway and to provide a continuous stream of video images of the
fairway to the video splitter 44 which signal is then transmitted
to the first and second VCR units.
[0053] FIGS. 4 through 9 show a housing structure that may provide
environmental protection for the camera and associated equipment of
the present invention. Additionally, the central pillar column may
provide a conduit by which underground cables may be strung and
protected from inclement weather. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing
80 has a central box-like container 82 topped with a cover 84. The
cover 84 may have a forward extension 86 that serves as a shade for
the sun. The container 82 with its cover 84 serve to protect the
confines of the housing 80 thereby allowing the equipment to used
for an extended period of time in all kinds and types of weather. A
transparent window or aperture 88 is used to allow optical images
of the surrounding golf course to be impressed upon a video camera
or the like (not shown). The camera may rest upon a shelf 90 or the
like, if such should be necessary. The shelf 90 may be
approximately {fraction (3/4)} inch thick and extend the length and
width of the enclosure defined by the housing container 82. A
bottom or lower panel 92 provides protection from detrimental
elements coming from below. A door 94 pivoting on a hinge 96 serves
to provide a complete enclosure for the camera and accompanying
equipment. The confines of the housing 80 may be configured in any
convenient or advantageous form in order to forward and/or achieve
the goals of the present invention.
[0054] The entire enclosure may be insulated from the elements by
insulation approximately {fraction (1/2)} inch thick on all sides.
In an alternative embodiment, such insulation may be omitted from
the bottom panel. Latches 100, such as tamper resistant latches,
may be used to hold the door 94 closed against the housing
container 82.
[0055] Air flow through the housing 80 may be achieved by means of
blowers, vents, or the like. In one embodiment, blowers with covers
102 are placed on opposite sides of the housing container 82. The
blowers may also be placed at different elevations so that there is
not only cross-ventilation laterally, but vertically as well.
Alternatively, the blowers or vents may be disposed at opposite
corners of the housing 80 so that there is complete lateral,
vertical, and horizontal cross-ventilation inside the housing 80.
It may be possible to effect adequate ventilation by the use of a
single blower in conjunction with a vent. Under most circumstances,
an air filter 104 is advised to prevent large dust particles and
small insects from migrating into the confines of the housing
80.
[0056] The housing 80 may stand upright some distance from the
ground by means of a pedestal mount 110 standing approximately
three to four feet tall. The pedestal mount may be attached to the
bottom panel 92 at its top and a base plate 112 at its bottom.
Screws, bolts or the like may be used to secure the base plate 112
to a concrete pad or other stable foundation (not shown).
[0057] The central pedestal mount 110 may be perforated at its
bottom with an opening 114 allowing access into the interior of the
pedestal mount 110. The opening 114 may be sealed with a one-inch
or appropriately sized conduit threaded bushing. As shown in FIG.
7, a central cutout 116 for cable access at the bottom of the
housing 80 allows communication between the interior of the housing
80 and the interior of the pedestal mount 110. If underground
wiring is preferred, the base plate 112 may likewise have an
opening allowing communication through the base plate 112 to the
interior of the pedestal mount 110. A top plate 120 (as shown in
FIG. 7) may allow securement of the housing 80 to the pedestal
mount 110.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a similar type of housing 80 may
be used in order to provide user control over the hole-in-one golf
video registration system 30 of the present invention. Similar
features are indicated with similar reference numbers. However,
instead of the presence of video cameras 32, 34 held within the
housing 80, a microphone 64 along with the accompanying other
equipment is provided for the golfer at the tee.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in addition to the microphone 64,
an LCD display 120 and a card reader 122 may be fixed to a
convenient panel of the housing 80. As shown in FIG. 9, the
microphone 64 is held inside the enclosure but is allowed some
acoustic communication with the exterior. As shown in FIG. 9, an
aperture hole or the like 124 may be present. The aperture 124 may
be covered with a waterproof or water resistant cover, such as
Gore-tex.RTM., in order to prevent the migration of water into the
confines of the housing 80. Alternatively, a vented cover may be
used to protect the microphone.
[0060] The LCD display 120 may provide the golfer with visual
status information and the like with respect to the operation of
the hole-in-one video registration system of the present invention.
The LCD display 120 may be substituted by other types of video
displays as are appropriate for the present invention 30.
[0061] The card reader 122 is accessible from the outside of the
housing 80 and provides means by which magnetically striped or
other similar cards may be swiped through the card reader to engage
and initiate the shot recordation process.
[0062] As is known in the art, the card reader may be connected to
verification means in order to verify the transaction.
Alternatively, in a possibly preferable embodiment, the card reader
122 may be replaced by a credit card terminal and keypad device
(not shown). These may be connected to a third-party electronic
funds transfer system (EFT) transaction processor using the Hughes
Electronic Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) protocol or
standard. The third-party electronic funds transfer system (EFT)
may take the form of and be similar to bank ATM machines, and has
an electronic signal transceiver that can send and receive
electronic signals by way of wired phone lines or wireless cellular
pak phones lines.
[0063] Having described the basic components of the present
invention, the process by which they are used in conjunction with
one another to effect the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10
and 11 and described below.
[0064] In FIG. 10, the keypad/card swipe unit may engage in the
following process 130. This process is readily adapted to the use
of the keypad and video display. However, the use of a card with a
magnetic stripe is a rapid and convenient means by which financial
identification information such as a credit card number may be
transmitted to the financial transaction network. The routine is
initialized as indicated by the encircled numeral 1 (132) and the
start step 134. An initial engagement routine 136 awaits
initialization by user input. An idle message 138 is displayed
indicating the readiness of the system and instructions for
initiating its use. Additionally, golf course information and
advertising may also be displayed at this time and throughout the
foregoing process.
[0065] The keypad, card swipe, or other input devices are monitored
for activity 140. If no activity is present, cycle is made back to
the idle message 138 and to the input monitoring step 140. If a
code has been entered 142, input is monitored to check if the user
has pressed "enter" 150. If the user has not pressed "enter" 152,
input is checked to see if the user has pressed "cancel" 154, If
the user did press "cancel" 156, cycle is made back to the idle
message 138. Otherwise, the user has not pressed "cancel" 158 and
cycle is made back to the user code entry detection 140.
[0066] If the user pressed "enter" 160, the code entered by the
user is validated 170. If the code is not valid 172, an invalid
code message 174 is displayed to the user and process flow control
goes back to the start 134. If a valid code is entered 176,
instructions are given to the user to swipe his or her credit card
178. The golfer then swipes his or her credit card and the data is
sent to a host or similar computer for effecting the financial
transaction 190. The process verifies that the
electronic/information link to the host is established and stable
192. If so, process flow control is continued (as shown in FIG. 10)
by the steps following the encircled numeral 2 (194). If the host
link is not sufficiently established 196, query is made as to
whether or not the process has been tried three times 198. If it
has not been 200, the host link establishment routine 202 is
reinvoked by transfer of process flow back to the transmission of
data to the host 190.
[0067] If the host link routine 202 has been engaged four times,
the retry greater than three times test 198 returns a "true" or
"yes" value 204. A message 206 is then transmitted to the golfer
indicating that the credit network is temporarily unavailable and
that the golfer should please try again later as indicated by the
encircled numeral 4 (208) in FIG. 10. Transfer of the process is
then delivered to the initial program step as indicated by the
encircled numeral 1 (132).
[0068] The golfer may then try again if he or she so desires, or
forego the transaction with this charitable donation and proceed
with the golf shot at the tee.
[0069] If the host link is properly established 220, the
transaction is verified and/or approved 222.
[0070] If the transaction is declined 224, then a display is made
indicating that the transaction is declined 226 to notify the
golfer. Control flow of the process is then transferred over to the
initialization sequence as indicated by the encircled numeral 1
(132).
[0071] If the transaction is approved 230, a message is delivered
to the golfer 232 thanking him or her and indicating the printing
of a receipt. A receipt is then printed 234 to indicate a
charitably deductible transaction and to otherwise record the
transaction. The receipt may be printed by one of many currently
known printers, particularly ones that would survive the
environment in which the present invention 30 is maintained.
[0072] A subsequent display 240 indicates the beginning of the shot
clock and the time in which the golfer has to make the shot. As
shown in FIG. 10, the display 240 indicates 45 seconds as being a
reasonable period of time in which to effect the golf shot.
However, other time periods may also be used according to the
selection of the manager of the golf course or otherwise.
[0073] Upon displaying the shot clock message 240, a video
recordation of the shot is made 242 with the display 244 indicating
the remaining time available in which to make the shot. A timing
loop 246 is then engaged in which the current time is tested to see
whether or not the shot clock has expired 248.
[0074] If the time has not expired 250, the display 244 is updated
and the query as to the expiration of the shot time period 248 is
reinvoked. Once the time has expired 252, flow control is
transferred as shown by the encircled numeral 3 (254) to a step
stopping the video recordation process 256 and a thank you message
is displayed 258. The process is then finished 260 and control may
then be returned to the initialization loop 130 via the encircled
numeral 1 (132) in FIG. 10.
[0075] FIG. 11 shows the steps that may be taken between the
confirmation of the establishment of the host link 220 and the
approval verification of the transaction 222. In these alternative
steps 270, a charity designated by a number or other identifier may
be chosen as the recipient of the charitable donation.
[0076] While the charity selection and confirmation process 270 may
be invoked separately through a separate start procedure 272,
transfer of flow control from the verification of the host link 220
can also lead into the charitable selection process. Once the
charity process 272 has been invoked, it takes as input the data
received from the keypad/card swipe unit 274. That data is then
verified in a verification step 276. If the data is not valid 278,
a message may be transmitted as by display to the user 280 in a
manner similar to the valid code query 170 resulting in the invalid
code display 174 (FIG. 10). If the card data is validated 290,
query is made as to the charity number and whether it is recognized
292. If the charity number is not recognized 294, instruction as by
a visual notice may be given in order to select another charity
number 296. The charity number recognition loop beginning with the
query 292 may be similar to that of the initialization loop 130 in
FIG. 10. Particularly, the code validation step 170 with its
process flow control may be adapted to the recognition of the
charity number and the reentry or entry of another charity number
if the initially selected charity number is not recognized.
[0077] If the charity is recognized, the process flow then proceeds
with querying as to the approval of the transaction 310. This query
is similar to that as shown in FIG. 10 at the transaction approval
query 222. If the transaction is not approved 312, a "transaction
declined" or disapproval message 314 may be transmitted to the user
much like that as shown in the transaction decline notification 226
in FIG. 10. If the transaction is approved 316, the transaction is
then processed 318 with the approval codes returned to the unit 320
which then indicates the transaction has been approved and the card
processing flow procedure 270 finishing 322. After the card
processing flow 270 has finished, process control may be then
transferred to the keypad/card swipe process 130 such as by entry
into the step where the thank you notification is given to the
golfer and the receipt is printed 232.
[0078] FIGS. 12-22 illustrate alternative preferred embodiments of
the present invention wherein the VCR video tape recording method
of FIGS. 1-11 is substituted by a digital video recording method
utilizing a computer for recording and storing video images for
each attempted golf shot. In addition, the embodiments of FIGS.
12-22 contemplate an alternative and improved technique for golfer
participation wherein each golfer may obtain a unique golf shot or
attempt number in conjunction with a personal identification number
(PIN) at a convenient off-site or remote location, and further
wherein the golfer can input his or her shot number and PIN at an
activation terminal unit or kiosk located at the specific golf tee
immediately prior to attempting the golf shot.
[0079] More specifically, in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-22, each
participant golfer may obtain a game card 329 (FIG. 12) or the like
for participation in the hole-in-one system of the present
invention, wherein the game card may be used on any date or
designated range of dates and at any golf course having one or more
suitably equipped holes for monitoring and recording the golf shot
of each participant. In this regard, the game card 329 will bear a
unique card number or other suitable code which is subject to
registration, validation and verification, as will be described,
prior to an attempt by the golfer to make a hole-in-one. It is
envisioned that the game card 329 will be available from a
participating charity organization, and/or from participating golf
courses, and the like. In one convenient form as shown, the game
card 329 may bear bar code information for automated reading of the
unique card number thereon.
[0080] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate registration, validation and
verification of a game card 329 by an individual golfer. As shown,
in a preferred procedure, a system web site identified by reference
numeral 330 is accessed, wherein this web site is set up and
operated by the administrator of the hole-in-one registration and
verification system. Advantageously, this web site can be accessed
via the Internet from any location, and does not require that the
golfer travel to any specific location. The golfer or entrant
proceeds to a card registration web page 332 and enters the unique
game card number. A valid number entry permits the golfer to
proceed with building a user profile 334 (typically to include
name, address, telephone number, and other relevant contact
information), followed by a screen 336 enabling selection of the
number of hole-in-one shot attempts which the golfer desires to
make. Following this, the flow process continues to fee calculation
screen 338 which displays the total amount due from the golfer. A
credit card (or debit card) payment routine 340 then allows the
golfer to enter an active credit card number for payment in
accordance with a financial flow process 342 shown in more detail
in FIG. 14.
[0081] More particularly, as shown in FIG. 14, the financial flow
process 342 entails automated bank approval of the credit card
transaction in a conventional manner, as depicted by transaction
block 344. Thereafter, the funds are automatically distributed by a
programmable distribution step 346 to apply a selected portion
(shown as 30%) to an "administration" account 348 and a selected
portion (shown as 70%) to a "charity" or "trust" account 350. A
selected portion of the "administration" account may also be
applied to a "bonus pool" 352 which may accumulate over time for
paying additional prize moneys to winning golfers, as will be
further described. The funds applied to the "trust account" 350 and
accumulated interest thereon are subsequently deposited to one or
more participating charity accounts 354, in accordance with golfer
charity designations.
[0082] Returning FIG. 12, a charity selection block 356 enables the
golfer to choose one or more particular charitable organizations to
receive a contribution as a result of the golfer's participation in
the hole-in-one system. In the event that the golfer attempts to
designate a charity which is not a current system participant,
there is an off-line routine 358 (FIG. 13) by which administrative
staff may be contacted in an attempt to add and/or verify
participation by a specific organization. One choice available to
the golfer may be a "default" choice, in which event the system can
be programmed to distribute the golfer's contribution to a
"default" charitable organization, or to spread the contribution
among a plurality of charitable organizations.
[0083] Following selection of the charity to receive the
contribution, the system then prompts the golfer to enter a unique
personal identification number (PIN), as indicated by the routine
360 on FIG. 13. Upon acceptance of the PIN, a "transaction
completed" screen 362 appears, and enables the golfer to print and
receive printed confirmation of the golfer's contribution before
exiting the program. The game or shot attempt number in combination
with the user-selected PIN constitutes a unique and verifiable shot
attempt code.
[0084] As an alternative to the above-described process for on-line
registration of the game card, it is envisioned that the golfer may
also accomplish the same steps by telephone access using an
appropriate toll-free number or the like, to register the game card
number, establish a unique PIN associated with that game card, and
to make the requisite contribution to one or more charitable
organizations.
[0085] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary activation unit 364 in the
form of a relatively compact kiosk-type housing located generally
at the golfer's approach to a golf course hole equipped with the
registration and monitoring system of the present invention. This
activation unit 364 comprises a compact and substantially
weatherproof housing similar to that shown and described in FIGS.
5-9, to include a golfer-accessible keypad 366 and a viewable
display screen 368. The activation unit 364 may additionally
include a card swipe reader 370 for reading a game card bearing
magnetic stripe information as described previously herein, and/or
a bar code reader 372 for reading a game card bearing bar code
information. An upper portion of the activation unit 364 may also
bear instructions for operation as indicated by reference numeral
374, and a display map 376 of the specific golf course hole may be
mounted onto a lower portion of the activation unit 364. The
activation unit 364 is positioned generally adjacent the tee of the
golf course hole.
[0086] The flow process implemented by the activation unit 364 is
shown in FIG. 16. As shown, the process may be initiated
conveniently by the golfer touching the display screen 368 to cause
display of a message 378 asking whether the golfer desires more
information, or would like to activate the system by entering the
appropriate shot attempt code. To activate the system, the golfer
enters the game card or shot attempt number as indicated at process
block 380, and then enters the unique PIN number associated
therewith as indicated at process block 382. If the game card and
PIN numbers represent a code that is registered and validated, the
golfer's name is displayed on a welcome screen 384, and the golfer
is instructed to touch the display screen 368 at the appropriate
spot when ready to attempt the golf shot (reference number 386). As
soon as the golfer touches the display screen to indicate readiness
to attempt the shot, the video cameras at the tee and green are
activated (388) and the display screen presents a viewable time
countdown (390) such as a time interval of 45 seconds or other
suitable time interval sufficient for the golfer to attempt the
hole-in-one golf shot. At the conclusion of this time interval, the
cameras are turned off (392) and the display screen 368 presents a
"thank you" message (394).
[0087] In the event that the golfer has possession of a proper game
card or otherwise has a game number which has not previously been
activated in association with a PIN number as described in FIGS.
12-13, the activation unit 364 may also be operated for this
purpose. More specifically, the golfer can activate the game number
by operating the activation unit 364 according to FIGS. 12-13 to
enter the game number, establish a PIN number, contribute funds by
credit card, and then select one or more charities to receive the
contribution. These steps would then be followed by operating the
activation unit 364 according to the flow process of FIG. 16 to
make a hole-in-one shot attempt.
[0088] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment
of the invention similar to FIGS. 1-3, but wherein a pair of video
cameras is provided at each of the tee and green locations for
recording the hole-in-one attempt, and further wherein each video
camera is linked to an associated processor unit 396 in the form of
a computer having a hard drive for recording digital video signals.
More particularly, in a preferred arrangement, FIG. 17 shows a pair
of video cameras 32 and 33 mounted (in the manner described with
respect to FIGS. 5-9) within the housing "A" of the activation unit
364 at the tee 398. Each of this pair of cameras 32, 33 provides a
separate recording of each attempted hole-in-one shot, such as by
recording the attempt at a rate of about 30 frames per second
(fps). These cameras 32, 33 provide redundant digital video signals
to the associated computer unit 396 which stores the video event.
The computer unit 396 may be mounted directly within the housing of
the activation unit 364, or alternately linked in a suitable manner
to the cameras to permit computer unit mounting at a selected
remote site. Importantly, the video records produced by these
cameras are associated with appropriate golfer identification or
shot attempt code identification in conjunction with time and date
stamp information to enable subsequent verification of a successful
hole-in-one shot attempt.
[0089] Similarly, FIG. 18 shows a pair of video cameras 34 and 35
mounted (in the manner described with respect to FIGS. 5-9) within
the housing "B" located at the green 400 of the golf hole. This
latter pair of video cameras 34, 35 again provides redundant or
back-up recordings of the attempted golf shot. These cameras 34, 35
may also record the event at a rate of about 30 fps. Alternately,
one of the cameras 34, 35 may be set to record at a slower rate of
about 2 fps for pinpointing the location at which the golf ball
comes to rest in relation to the cup, or a third video camera (not
shown) may be provided for this function. These video outputs are
coupled to the associated computer unit 396 which may be separately
mounted within the housing "B", or may comprise a single computer
unit linked to the video cameras mounted within both of the
housings "A" and "B".
[0090] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the cameras
34, 35 associated with the housing "B" for recording the activity
on the green 400 may be used to verify the distance of the ball
from the cup at the conclusion of the golf shot. In this regard,
the green cameras may be set to record for a longer period of time,
sufficient to permit the golfer to walk onto the green and utilize
a measuring apparatus such as a measuring tape conveniently built
into the flagpole mast to measure this distance between the ball at
rest and the cup. This enables the recording system to verify
winners in "closest-to-the-pin contests, in addition to hole-in-one
verification.
[0091] In the event that the golfer makes a hole-in-one, such
winning shot is reported as shown in FIGS. 20-21. As shown, a
reporting terminal 402 such as a kiosk similar to the activation
unit 364 (FIG. 15) may be located at the golf course at a selected
convenient site, such as in the pro shop or clubhouse facility of
the golf course. Such reporting terminal may include a
touch-activated display screen 404 which is accessed by the golfer
to input his or her game card number and unique PIN. Upon entry of
such valid identification data, the display screen will present the
golfer's name, the date, the golf course, and the specific hole at
which the hole-in-one attempt was made by that golfer (405). The
golfer is then given an opportunity to verify this information, as
indicated at block 406 in FIG. 20, in which event the reporting
terminal 402 will respond with an appropriate "thank you" message
(408) as shown in FIG. 21 and print a receipt (410) for retention
by the golfer.
[0092] Alternatively, in the absence of a reporting terminal at the
golf course facility, the golfer may report the winning shot by
dialing a toll-free telephone or the like. Reporting of the winning
shot may be accomplished by automated responses to programmed data
inquiries to collect information such as the game card number,
golfer PIN, etc. The golfer may also be given an opportunity to
state his or her name, the date, the specific golf course and hole
at which the hole-in-one was made, as indicated at block 412, after
which a programmed verification number (414) may be given to the
golfer. As another alternative, the golfer may report the
hole-in-one and relevant golf course details to an operator, as
indicated by the flow chart routine 416 in FIG. 21.
[0093] After the hole-in-one is reported, a verification process
takes place to check and verify that the reporting golfer has in
fact achieved a hole-in-one and is entitled to receive the
appropriate prize. As depicted in FIG. 22, administrative staff
regularly check incoming telephone reports received automatically
or by a operator, as indicated at block 417. Upon receiving a
report of a hole-in-one, the staff downloads the video records from
the corresponding computer unit or units 396, wherein such download
may occur manually (418) or by electronic modem or similar indirect
access (420). The administrative staff reviews the video records to
determine whether a hole-in-one was in fact achieved, as reported,
by the golfer holding a particular game card number. If the staff
determines that a hole-in-one has occurred, the video record is
then submitted to the insurance carrier (422) for independent
verification (424), followed by the insurance carrier issuing a
prize check (426) in appropriate amount to the successful golfer.
The prize funds paid to the golfer may also include the all or a
portion of the funds accumulated in the "bonus pool" account 352
described in FIG. 14.
[0094] In addition to pay-out to a golfer for achieving a
hole-in-one, the system can be used to monitor and verify the
position of each participating golfer in a "closest-to-the-pin"
contest by receiving reports from golfers regarding the distance of
each ball from the cup (when a hole-in-one is not achieved). Such
close-to-the-hole data can be reported and collected in a similar
manner, such as by encouraging golfers to report any shot landing
within a specified close distance (e.g., 6 feet) from the cup. Once
again, the video record can be reviewed to verify each golfer's
report, and to award prizes or otherwise maintain a computer record
of the recorded distances. In the example shown, the system web
site is updated as indicated at block 428 to maintain a list of
golfer's having their shots land within 6 feet of the cup.
[0095] The digital video recording system beneficially provides a
high resolution video record of each attempted shot in a form
suitable for rapid and convenient storage on the hard disk drive of
the computer unit 396, wherein the computer unit 396 can record the
action from the tee cameras 32, 33 and the green cameras 34, 35 at
the same time. This video record of each hole-in-one shot attempt
can be stored on the disk drive for a suitable designated time
interval such as one month to give each participant sufficient time
to report a winning shot to the program administrator for
verification and prize award. The computer unit 396 is linked by
modem or wireless RF connection to the reporting terminal 402,
which in turn is also linked in a similar manner to the system
administrator for remote downloading of the video record for a
reported hole-in-one shot. This arrangement enables administrative
staff to access and download the video record in a remote manner
from a central office site, without requiring staff members to
travel to individual golf courses to retrieve video tape cassettes
for review and verification. Appropriate security watermarks may be
embedded onto the computer storage disk for enhancing the
authenticity of the video record. Moreover, the digital video
record can be viewed frame-by-frame as part of the verification
process.
[0096] While the present invention has been described with regard
to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional
variations of the present invention may be devised without
departing from the inventive concept. In this regard, it will be
appreciated that features of the embodiments shown and described in
FIGS. 12-22 may be incorporated into the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 1-11, and vice versa. Accordingly, no limitation on the
invention is intended by way of the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *