U.S. patent application number 12/019739 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for device for recording parameters of a golf game.
This patent application is currently assigned to James Gerald BUCKLEY. Invention is credited to James Gerald Buckley, George Anlos Danos, Graham Daniel Spring.
Application Number | 20080119298 12/019739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11042800 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080119298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buckley; James Gerald ; et
al. |
May 22, 2008 |
DEVICE FOR RECORDING PARAMETERS OF A GOLF GAME
Abstract
A hand held device (1) for recording scores of a golf game
played by one or more players comprises a VDU (3) which selectively
displays reference fairways (30) graphically which permits a player
to enter the position of the location of a ball after each shot on
the VDU (3) by positioning a cursor at a position (41) on the green
(31) or the reference fairway (30) displayed on the VDU (3), which
substantially corresponds to the position of the ball on the
fairway or green being played. The position of the ball after each
shot until the ball is holed is entered on the screen through the
cursor. A microprocessor (2) reads the position of the cursor and
stores a graphical representation of the progress (37) of the ball
along the screen to the hole (29). The microprocessor (2) stores
the graphical representation of the reference fairway (30) with the
positions (41) of the ball entered through the cursor in a RAM (5)
and computes the number of shots to the hole (29). This is repeated
for each hole played in a game of golf and a score card for each
player is displayed on the VDU (3) at the end of the game. The
device (1) may be used by a number of players playing a game of
golf, and respective score cards are generated for each player and
displayed on the VDU. Graphical representations of each player's
performance on each fairway can be reviewed after the game.
Inventors: |
Buckley; James Gerald;
(Listowel, IE) ; Spring; Graham Daniel; (Tralee,
IE) ; Danos; George Anlos; (London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
James Gerald BUCKLEY
County Kerry
IE
|
Family ID: |
11042800 |
Appl. No.: |
12/019739 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10482059 |
Sep 29, 2004 |
|
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|
PCT/IE02/00084 |
Jun 25, 2002 |
|
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12019739 |
Jan 25, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/156 ;
473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20130101;
A63B 2071/0691 20130101; G16Z 99/00 20190201; A63B 2220/13
20130101; A63B 71/0669 20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B
2220/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/156 ;
473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 25, 2001 |
IE |
S2001/0584 |
Claims
1. A device for recording parameters of a golf game, characterised
in that the device comprises a display means (3) for displaying
graphically a representation of a reference fairway (30), a means
for indicating on the reference fairway (30) a position (41)
indicative of a location taken up by a ball after a shot, a reading
means (2) for reading the indicated position (41), and a computing
means (2) responsive to the reading means reading an input which
indicates that a ball has been holed for summing the number of
indicated positions (41) indicated on the reference fairway (30)
for determining the number of shots from a tee to a hole, and a
first storing means (5) for storing the determined number of shots
from the tee to the hole.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that a second
storing means (6) is provided for storing graphical representations
of a plurality of reference fairways (30), the pars of the holes of
which are different, and preferably, the graphical representations
of the respective reference fairways (30) differ depending on the
par of the hole, and advantageously, the means (3) for displaying
the graphical representation of one of the reference fairways (30)
is provided for selectively displaying a selected one of the
reference fairways (30), and preferably, the display means (3)
displays a graphical representation of respective selected ones of
the reference fairways (30) for each of a number of holes to be
played in the golf game.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the
computing means (2) computes the score of a round of golf, and the
first storing means (5) stores the score of a round of golf, and
preferably, the first storing means (5) stores the graphical
representation of each reference fairway (30) displayed for the
respective holes with the indicated positions (41) on the
respective graphical representations of the reference fairways for
each hole played, and preferably, the graphical representation of
each reference fairway (30) comprises a representation of a rough
location, and advantageously, the graphical representation of each
reference fairway (30) comprises an out of bounds location, and
preferably, the graphical representation of each reference fairway
(30) comprises a sand bunker location, and preferably, at least
some of the reference fairways (30) comprise a water hazard
location.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the reading
means (2) reads the type of location in which the location taken up
by the ball after a shot is indicated on the selected reference
fairway (30), and preferably, the reading means (2) determines from
the indicated position (41) the type of location in which the ball
is indicated as being located after a shot, and advantageously, the
reading means (2) determines from the indicated position (41) the
lie of the ball to the left or right of a line joining the tee to
the hole, and preferably, the graphical representation of each
reference fairway (30) indicates an area between a green and the
tee which is within a predetermined distance from the green, and
the reading means (2) reads the indicated position (41) for
determining if the indicated location of the ball is within the
predetermined area.
5. A device as claimed in claim 2 characterised in that the second
storing means (6) stores a graphical representation of at least one
reference green (31) independently of the reference fairways, and
preferably, the second storing means (6) stores a plurality of
graphical representations of reference greens (31), and the
respective reference greens (31) are stored in the second storing
means (6) cross-referenced with corresponding reference fairways
(30), and advantageously, the display means (3) selectively
displays a graphical representation of a reference green (31)
corresponding to each reference fairway (30) displayed, and
preferably, the display means (3) displays a reference green (31)
independently of each reference fairway (30), and advantageously,
the display means (3) displays a reference green (31) corresponding
to a reference fairway (30) independently of the reference fairway
(30), and preferably, the graphical representation of each
reference green (31) is provided with a plurality of bands (45) of
predetermined radial distance from and extending around a hole on
the reference green (31) for defining predetermined distances from
the hole, and advantageously, the means for indicating the position
indicative of a location taken up by a ball is provided for
indicating the position relative to the hole taken up by the ball
on the selected reference green (31), and preferably, the means for
indicating the position indicative of a location taken up by a ball
after a shot on the selected one of the selected reference fairway
(30) or the selected reference green (31) is provided by a cursor,
and preferably, the visual display means comprises a touch
sensitive screen, and advantageously, the means for indicating the
position indicative of a location taken up by a ball after a shot
on the selected one of the selected reference fairway (30) or the
selected reference green (31) is provided by a means for reading
the position on the screen on which the screen is externally
touched.
6. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that a first
input means is provided for inputting a message indicating a lost
ball, and preferably, a second input means is provided for
inputting a message indicating a penalty, and advantageously, a
third input means is provided for indicating that the position
taken up by a ball after a shot is within a water hazard, and
preferably, the computing means is responsive to the first, second
and third input means for computing the score of a round of
golf.
7. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that a data
input means is provided for facilitating selective inputting of
particulars of any one of the following characteristics of a player
about to play a golf game, and of the golf course on which the golf
game is to be played, namely, the handicap of the player,
parameters of the course, particulars of the tees being played,
course conditions on the day the game is being played, weather
conditions on the day the game is being played, and condition of
the player on the day the game is being played.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7 characterised in that the data
input means permits inputting of the number of holes in the golf
course, the yardage of each hole, the par of each hole and the
index of each hole, and preferably, the first storing means (5)
stores data inputted through the data input means, and
advantageously, the computing means (2) computes the score for each
hole less the handicap of the player.
9. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the
computing means (2) compares the player's score for each hole
against the par and/or index of the hole, and preferably, an output
means is provided for outputting the score for each hole played and
the score for the round played, and preferably, the output means
facilitates outputting the score of the front nine holes and the
back nine holes separately of each other, and advantageously, the
output means interfaces with the display means for displaying the
respective scores on the display means, and preferably, the scores
are displayed on the display means in tabular form.
10. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the
computing means (2) is adapted for selecting the holes of each of
the holes played on a particular golf course over a number of games
on which the player achieved the best hole scores, and displaying
the scores of the selected ones of the holes in tabular form as a
"dream game", and preferably, the computing means (2) is adapted
for selecting the holes of each of the holes played on a particular
golf course over a number of games on which the player achieved the
worst hole scores, and displaying the scores of the selected ones
of the holes in tabular form as a "nightmare game".
11. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the device
is a hand held device, and preferably, the device comprises an
interface means for interfacing the device with an external
computer for downloading data in respect of each game to the
external computer.
12. A method for recording parameters of a golf game, characterised
in that the method comprises the steps of displaying a graphical
representation of a reference fairway (30) on a visual display
means (3), indicating on the reference fairway (30) a position (41)
indicative of a location taken up by a ball after a shot, reading
the indicated position (41) by a reading means (2), summing the
number of indicated positions (41) indicated on the reference
fairway (30) for determining the number of shots from a tee to a
hole in a computing means (2), and storing the determined number of
shots from the tee to the hole in a first storing means (5).
13. A method as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that the
graphical representation of each reference fairway (30) displayed
for the respective holes with the indicated positions (41) on the
respective graphical representations of the reference fairways for
each hole played is stored in the first storing means (5), and
preferably, a second storing means (6) is provided for storing
graphical representations of a plurality of reference fairways
(30), the pars of the holes of which are different, and preferably,
the graphical representations of the respective reference fairways
(30) differ depending on the par of the hole, and advantageously,
the means (3) for displaying the graphical representation of one of
the reference fairways (30) is provided for selectively displaying
a selected one of the reference fairways (30), and preferably, the
display means (3) displays a graphical representation of respective
selected ones of the reference fairways (30) for each of a number
of holes to be played in the golf game.
14. A method as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that the score
of a round of golf is computed in the computing means (2), and the
first storing means (5) stores the score of a round of golf, and
preferably, the graphical representation of each reference fairway
(30) comprises a representation of a rough location, and
preferably, the graphical representation of each reference fairway
(30) comprises an out of bounds location, and advantageously, the
graphical representation of each reference fairway (30) comprises a
sand bunker location, and preferably, at least some of the
reference fairways (30) comprise a water hazard location.
15. A method as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that the
reading means (2) reads the type of location in which the location
taken up by the ball after a shot is indicated on the selected
reference fairway (30), and preferably, the reading means (2)
determines from the indicated position (41) the type of location in
which the ball is indicated as being located after a shot, and
advantageously, the reading means (2) determines from the indicated
position (41) the lie of the ball to the left or right of a line
joining the tee to the hole, and preferably, the graphical
representation of each reference fairway (30) indicates an area
between a green and the tee which is within a predetermined
distance from the green, and the reading means (2) reads the
indicated position (41) for determining if the indicated location
of the ball is within the predetermined area.
16. A method as claimed in claim 13 characterised in that the
second storing means (6) stores a graphical representation of at
least one reference green (31) independently of the reference
fairways, and preferably, the second storing means (6) stores a
plurality of graphical representations of reference greens (31),
and the respective reference greens (31) are stored in the second
storing means (6) cross-referenced with corresponding reference
fairways (30), and advantageously, the display means (3)
selectively displays a graphical representation of a reference
green (31) corresponding to each reference fairway (30) displayed,
and preferably, the display means (3) displays a reference green
(31) independently of each reference fairway (30), and
advantageously, the display means (3) displays a reference green
(31) corresponding to a reference fairway (30) independently of the
reference fairway (30), and preferably, the graphical
representation of each reference green (31) is provided with a
plurality of bands (45) of predetermined radial distance from and
extending around a hole on the reference green (31) for defining
predetermined distances from the hole.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16 characterised in that the means
for indicating the position indicative of a location taken up by a
ball is provided for indicating the position relative to the hole
taken up by the ball on the selected reference green (31), and
preferably, the means for indicating the position indicative of a
location taken up by a ball after a shot on the selected one of the
selected reference fairway (30) or the selected reference green
(31) is provided by a cursor.
18. A method as claimed in claim 16 characterised in that the
visual display means comprises a touch sensitive screen, and
preferably, the means for indicating the position indicative of a
location taken up by a ball after a shot on the selected one of the
selected reference fairway (30) or the selected reference green
(31) is provided by a means for reading the position on the screen
on which the screen is externally touched, and advantageously, a
first input means is provided for inputting a message indicating a
lost ball, and preferably, a second input means is provided for
inputting a message indicating a penalty, and advantageously, a
third input means is provided for indicating that the position
taken up by a ball after a shot is within a water hazard, and
preferably, the computing means is responsive to the first, second
and third input means for computing the score of a round of
golf.
19. A method as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that a data
input means is provided for facilitating selective inputting of
particulars of any one of the following characteristics of a player
about to play a golf game, and of the golf course on which the golf
game is to be played, namely, the handicap of the player,
parameters of the course, particulars of the tees being played,
course conditions on the day the game is being played, weather
conditions on the day the game is being played, and condition of
the player on the day the game is being played.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19 characterised in that the data
input means permits inputting of the number of holes in the golf
course, the yardage of each hole, the par of each hole and the
index of each hole, and preferably, the first storing means (5)
stores data inputted through the data input means.
21. A method as claimed in claim 19 characterised in that the
computing means (2) computes the score for each hole less the
handicap of the player, and preferably, the computing means (2)
compares the player's score for each hole against the par and/or
index of the hole, and advantageously, an output means is provided
for outputting the score for each hole played and the score for the
round played, and preferably, the output means facilitates
outputting the score of the front nine holes and the back nine
holes separately of each other, and advantageously, the output
means interfaces with the display means for displaying the
respective scores on the display means, and preferably, the scores
are displayed on the display means in tabular form.
22. A method as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that the
computing means (2) is adapted for selecting the holes of each of
the holes played on a particular golf course over a number of games
on which the player achieved the best hole scores, and displaying
the scores of the selected ones of the holes in tabular form as a
"dream game", and preferably, the computing means (2) is adapted
for selecting the holes of each of the holes played on a particular
golf course over a number of games on which the player achieved the
worst hole scores, and displaying the scores of the selected ones
of the holes in tabular form as a "nightmare game".
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/482,059, filed Dec. 29, 2003; which is a 371 of
PCT/IE02/00084 filed Jun. 25, 2002; which claims priority from
Ireland Application No. S201/0584 filed Jun. 25, 2001, the
disclosures of each which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a device for recording
parameters of a golf game.
[0003] In general, when one is playing a game of golf, it is normal
to record the scores on a card. The recordal of the scores of the
golf game, in general, is carried out manually where one enters
one's score on each hole played by writing the score on the card.
While this method is quite adequate for the purpose of recording a
player's score in a golf game, and for the purpose of determining
the winner in a golf competition, it is not ideal for allowing a
player to analyse a game subsequently. A player can only compare
his or her score as written on the score card with the scores of
other games which he or she may have played on the same course at
earlier dates. Thus, in general, the only comparison which can be
made is a comparison between the number of shots taken on each
hole. This, while it does permit some degree of meaningful
comparison, at the same time only provides a limited degree of
comparison. It does not permit a player to analyse, for example,
distances of drives, chips and putts which were played by the
player on respective different games, nor does it permit a player
to analyse the accuracy and the direction of his or her shots, for
example, if the shots were on line with the hole or otherwise, if
any of the shots ended up in the rough, in a sand bunker, a water
hazard or the like.
[0004] There is therefore a need for a device for recording
parameters of a golf game which overcomes at least some of these
problems.
[0005] The present invention is directed towards providing such a
device.
[0006] According to the invention there is provided a device for
recording parameters of a golf game, characterised in that the
device comprises a display means for displaying graphically a
representation of a reference fairway, a means for indicating on
the reference fairway a position indicative of a location taken up
by a ball after a shot, a reading means for reading the indicated
position, and a computing means responsive to the reading means
reading an input which indicates that a ball has been holed for
summing the number of indicated positions indicated on the
reference fairway for determining the number of shots from a tee to
a hole, and a first storing means for storing the determined number
of shots from the tee to the hole.
[0007] In one embodiment of the invention a second storing means is
provided for storing graphical representations of a plurality of
reference fairways, the pars of the holes of which are
different.
[0008] In another embodiment of the invention the graphical
representations of the respective reference fairways differ
depending on the par of the hole. Preferably, the means for
displaying the graphical representation of one of the reference
fairways is provided for selectively displaying a selected one of
the reference fairways.
[0009] In one embodiment of the invention the display means
displays a graphical representation of respective selected ones of
the reference fairways for each of a number of holes to be played
in the golf game.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention the computing means
computes the score of a round of golf, and the first storing means
stores the score of a round of golf. Preferably, the first storing
means stores the graphical representation of each reference fairway
displayed for the respective holes with the indicated positions on
the respective graphical representations of the reference fairways
for each hole played.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention the graphical
representation of each reference fairway comprises a representation
of a rough location. Preferably, the graphical representation of
each reference fairway comprises an out of bounds location.
Advantageously, the graphical representation of each reference
fairway comprises a sand bunker location. Ideally, at least some of
the reference fairways comprise a water hazard location.
[0012] In another embodiment of the invention the reading means
reads the type of location in which the location taken up by the
ball after a shot is indicated on the selected reference fairway.
Preferably, the reading means determines from the indicated
position the type of location in which the ball is indicated as
being located after a shot. Advantageously, the reading means
determines from the indicated position the lie of the ball to the
left or right of a line joining the tee to the hole.
[0013] In one embodiment of the invention the graphical
representation of each reference fairway indicates an area between
a green and the tee which is within a predetermined distance from
the green, and the reading means reads the indicated position for
determining if the indicated location of the ball is within the
predetermined area.
[0014] In another embodiment of the invention the second storing
means stores a graphical representation of at least one reference
green independently of the reference fairways. Preferably, the
second storing means stores a plurality of graphical
representations of reference greens, and the respective reference
greens are stored in the second storing means cross-referenced with
corresponding reference fairways.
[0015] In another embodiment of the invention the display means
selectively displays a graphical representation of a reference
green corresponding to each reference fairway displayed.
Alternatively, the display means displays a reference green
independently of each reference fairway.
[0016] In another embodiment of the invention the display means
displays a reference green corresponding to a reference fairway
independently of the reference fairway.
[0017] Preferably, the graphical representation of each reference
green is provided with a plurality of bands of predetermined radial
distance from and extending around a hole on the reference green
for defining predetermined distances from the hole. Advantageously,
the means for indicating the position indicative of a location
taken up by a ball is provided for indicating the position relative
to the hole taken up by the ball on the selected reference
green.
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention the means for indicating
the position indicative of a location taken up by a ball after a
shot on the selected one of the selected reference fairway or the
selected reference green is provided by a cursor.
[0019] In another embodiment of the invention the visual display
means comprises a touch sensitive screen.
[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention the means for
indicating the position indicative of a location taken up by a ball
after a shot on the selected one of the selected reference fairway
or the selected reference green is provided by a means for reading
the position on the screen on which the screen is externally
touched.
[0021] In one embodiment of the invention a first input means is
provided for inputting a message indicating a lost ball.
Preferably, a second input means is provided for inputting a
message indicating a penalty. Advantageously, a third input means
is provided for indicating that the position taken up by a ball
after a shot is within a water hazard. Ideally, the computing means
is responsive to the first, second and third input means for
computing the score of a round of golf.
[0022] In another embodiment of the invention a data input means is
provided for facilitating selective inputting of particulars of any
one of the following characteristics of a player about to play a
golf game, and of the golf course on which the golf game is to be
played, namely,
[0023] the handicap of the player,
[0024] parameters of the course,
[0025] particulars of the tees being played, course conditions on
the day the game is being played,
[0026] weather conditions on the day the game is being played,
and
[0027] condition of the player on the day the game is being
played.
[0028] Preferably the data input means permits inputting of the
number of holes in the golf course, the yardage of each hole, the
par of each hole and the index of each hole. Preferably, the first
storing means stores data inputted through the data input
means.
[0029] In one embodiment of the invention the computing means
computes the score for each hole less the handicap of the
player.
[0030] In another embodiment of the invention the computing means
compares the player's score for each hole against the par and/or
index of the hole.
[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention an output means is
provided for outputting the score for each hole played and the
score for the round played. Preferably, the output means
facilitates outputting the score of the front nine holes and the
back nine holes separately of each other. Advantageously, the
output means interfaces with the display means for displaying the
respective scores on the display means.
[0032] In one embodiment of the invention the scores are displayed
on the display means in tabular form.
[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention the computing means
is adapted for selecting the holes of each of the holes played on a
particular golf course over a number of games on which the player
achieved the best hole scores, and displaying the scores of the
selected ones of the holes in tabular form as a "dream game".
[0034] In a still further embodiment of the invention the computing
means is adapted for selecting the holes of each of the holes
played on a particular golf course over a number of games on which
the player achieved the worst hole scores, and displaying the
scores of the selected ones of the holes in tabular form as a
"nightmare game".
[0035] Preferably, the device is a hand held device.
[0036] Advantageously, the device comprises an interface means for
interfacing the device with an external computer for downloading
data in respect of each game to the external computer.
[0037] Additionally, the invention provides a method for recording
parameters of a golf game, wherein the method comprises the steps
of displaying a graphical representation of a reference fairway on
a visual display means, indicating on the reference fairway a
position indicative of a location taken up by a ball after a shot,
reading the indicated position by a reading means, summing the
number of indicated positions indicated on the reference fairway
for determining the number of shots from a tee to a hole in a
computing means, and storing the determined number of shots from
the tee to the hole in a first storing means.
[0038] In one embodiment of the invention the graphical
representation of each reference fairway displayed for the
respective holes with the indicated positions on the respective
graphical representations of the reference fairways for each hole
played is stored in the first storing means.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly
important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact
that the golf games played by a player are recorded in graphical
form, and in particular, by virtue of the fact that the position
taken up by the ball after each shot is also recorded in graphical
form, a player can analyse the graphical representation of his or
her play for each hole subsequent to playing the game, and indeed,
can compare graphical representations of his or her play on the
same hole or holes over a number of games. Accordingly, a player by
analysing the graphical representations of his or her game can
identify weaknesses in his or her game, and by so identifying the
weaknesses can correct his or her game, and can also identify
weaknesses where further practice is required in order to improve
the player's game and his or her performance. Additionally, the
device and the method according to the invention permits simple and
easy entry of the position of a ball after each shot by a player.
There is no need for the player to measure the distance, all that
is required is to indicate graphically on the graphical
representation of the selected reference fairway the position of
the ball after each shot. Thus, a player need not physically
measure the distance traveled by a ball after each shot and record
it manually. A further advantage of the invention is that it
permits ready graphical display of a player's play for each hole of
any particular game played by a player, and furthermore, graphical
representations of the play for each hole of many games played by
one or more players can be stored in the device for subsequent
recall. Additionally, the games can be stored under any suitable
classification system, for example, by name of person, course, the
date played or by any other suitable means. A player may also use
the device to enter a game played by a professional on a particular
course, and compare his or her game with that of the
professional.
[0040] The device and method according to the invention also
permits ready computing of each player's score for a number of
players playing in a game of golf, for example, the scores and
graphical representations of the play for each hole of the players
of a "two ball", a "three ball", a "four ball", or the like can be
readily computed and stored. Furthermore, the scores and indeed the
graphical representation of the play for each of the holes of each
of the players can be stored for subsequent downloading to a
computer, such as a club computer or a national or international
base server for determining the winner, runner-up, etc. of a golf
competition.
[0041] The device and method according to the invention as well as
permitting a visual analysis of a player's golf game, may also be
used for entertainment purposes, whereby a player could enter a
fictitious game, or could play and score an actual game against a
professional's game or a reference game, the results of which would
be graphically stored for subsequent comparison with the player's
game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is
given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a block representation of a device according to
the invention for recording parameters of a golf game,
[0044] FIG. 2 is a representation of a screen displayed by a
display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0045] FIG. 3 is a representation of a screen displayed by a
display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0046] FIG. 4 is a representation of a screen displayed by a
display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0047] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of a screen displayed
by a display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0048] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a screen displayed
by a display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0049] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of a screen displayed
by a display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0050] FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of a screen displayed
by a display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0051] FIG. 9 is a representation of a screen displayed by a
display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0052] FIG. 10 is a representation of another screen displayed by a
display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0053] FIG. 11 is a representation of another screen displayed by a
display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0054] FIGS. 12(a) to (c) are representations of a further screen
displayed by a display means of the device of FIG. 1,
[0055] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the device of
FIG. 1 in use,
[0056] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a routine of a computer programme
of the device of FIG. 1,
[0057] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of another routine of the computer
programme of the device of FIG. 1, and
[0058] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of another routine of the computer
programme of the device of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0059] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1 there is
illustrated a device according to the invention indicated generally
by the reference numeral 1 for recording parameters of a golf game
played by one or more players. The device 1 in this embodiment of
the invention is a hand held device, and comprises a microprocessor
2 which controls the entire operation of the device 1. A display
means provided by a visual display unit (VDU) 3 facilitates
displaying graphical representations of one or more reference
fairways and reference greens, and also for facilitating
graphically indicating on the reference fairway and/or reference
greens, positions indicative of locations taken up by a ball after
respective shots, as will be described below. The VDU 3 also
facilitates displaying in tabular form as will be described below
scores achieved in a golf game. The VDU 3 may be a touch screen or
otherwise, and if a touch screen the positions taken up by the ball
after each shot may be entered by appropriately touching the screen
at a location on a reference fairway or green displayed on the VDU
3 corresponding to the position of the ball after a shot on the
fairway or green. Otherwise the positions taken up by the ball
after each shot may be similarly indicated by a cursor on the
screen, this is described in detail below. The microprocessor 2
reads the screen and computes the number of shots for each hole and
the score for a game of golf.
[0060] A first storing means provided by a random access memory
(RAM) 5 stores the number of shots taken for each hole played and
the score of the game of golf played by the player for subsequent
display on the VDU 3, or for subsequent downloading to an external
computer, such as a club computer, for facilitating computing the
results of a golf competition. The RAM 5 also stores the graphical
representation of the reference fairway and green displayed for
each hole together with the indicated positions which are
indicative of the locations taken up by a ball after each shot
between the tee and the hole of the respective fairways for
subsequent display or for downloading.
[0061] A second storing means, namely, a read-only memory (ROM) 6
stores a computer programme under which the microprocessor 2
operates and also stores the graphical representations of the
reference fairways and the reference greens, which may be
selectively called up by the microprocessor 2 for display on the
VDU 3. The microprocessor 2 operates under the control of a
computer programme, routines of which are described below with
reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 4 a first screen 10 which is
presented to a player on the VDU 3 prior to commencing a game of
golf is illustrated which facilitates entry of data regarding the
player and the course. A location 11 is provided on the screen 10
for facilitating inputting of particulars of the player or players
who are to play a game of golf. A location 12 is provided on the
screen 10 for facilitating entry of particulars of the golf course.
A location 13 is provided on the screen 10 for permitting selection
of the colour of tee to be used by each player. A location 14 is
provided on the screen 10 for facilitating inputting of the type of
game to be played, competitive or otherwise. An additional location
15 is provided which permits the selection of four subsidiary
locations, namely, locations 16, 17, 18 and 19 from the screen 10,
see FIG. 4. In location 16 each player may enter his or her
condition prior to commencing the game of golf as one of three
conditions, namely, excellent, good or poor. Location 17 permits
entry of the weather conditions prevailing as the game is about to
be played, and one of five conditions as follows may be selected:
[0063] excellent, [0064] good, [0065] average, [0066] bad, and
[0067] terrible.
[0068] Locations 18 and 19 permit entry of the conditions of the
greens and the course, and one of five conditions may be selected
which are similar to those conditions which may be selected for the
weather conditions. The data entered through the locations 11 to 19
on the screen 10 are stored in the RAM 5 and collated with the
scores of the players of the game and recorded for subsequent
reproduction on the VDU when reproducing the scores of the game, or
for subsequent downloading along with the scores of the game.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 7, there is illustrated three
screens, which are selectively presented to each player as the game
progresses, the screens are selected as will be described below by
the par of the hole being played. Each screen comprises a reference
fairway 30. The reference fairway 30 illustrated in FIG. 5
represents a par 3 hole, the reference fairway illustrated in FIG.
6 represents a par 4 hole, while the reference fairway illustrated
in FIG. 7 represents a par 5 hole. Each reference fairway 30 also
comprises a green 31 associates with the fairway 30, as well as a
hole 29. A predetermined area 32 which is within fifty yards of the
green 31 is also illustrated. By indicating on the screen that a
player's ball landed in the area 32 a record of this is stored in
the RAM 5. The tee off position 33 is graphically represented on
the fairway 30. Areas of rough 34 in the reference fairways 30 both
in a line between the tee 33 and the hole 29, and to the left and
right thereof are graphically displayed on the reference fairways
30 for facilitating indicating if the ball after a shot landed in
the rough in the centre, or to the left or right of the centre line
between the tee 33 and the hole 29. Out of bound areas 35 are also
graphically represented relative to the fairway 30 both to the left
and right and to the end of the green 31, for similarly permitting
indicating by touch or by the cursor on the screen if a ball landed
out of bounds, and its general direction relative to a centre line
between the tee 33 and the hole 29 after a shot. Sand bunkers 36
are also graphically represented for the same purpose. FIG. 13
illustrates how the path of the ball after each stroke is
illustrated on the screen by a line 37 as the position 41 of the
ball after each shot has been entered by touch or by the cursor on
the screen.
[0070] A first input means comprising a first soft key 38 on the
respective screens of FIGS. 5 to 7 facilitates inputting a message
to indicate that a ball has been lost after a shot. A second input
means comprising a second soft key 39 is provided on the screens
for inputting a message indicating that a penalty has been incurred
after a shot, and a third input means provided by a third soft key
40 is provided on the screen for facilitating inputting a message
indicating that the ball landed in a water hazard after a shot.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 8 an enlarged graphical representation
of the green is illustrated for facilitating graphically indicating
on the screen a position indicative of the location of a ball on
the green after a shot. In this embodiment of the invention five
bands 45 of predetermined radial width extend around the hole 29 at
pitch circle diameters of predetermined radii. The band width of
the first band 45a, namely, the band closest to the hole is at a
radius of three yards from the hole 29. The next band 45b is at a
radius of five yards from the hole 29, while the next band 45c is
at a radius of seven yards from the hole 29, while the next band
45d is at a radius of ten yards from the hole 29, and the outermost
band, namely, the band 45e is at a radius of fifteen yards from the
hole 29. Accordingly, a player can indicate with the cursor on the
screen a position within the respective bands indicative of the
location within which the ball has landed or is played on the
green.
[0072] First, second and third soft keys 48, 49 and 50 are also
provided on the screen of FIG. 8 which are similar to the first,
second and third soft keys 38, 39 and 40, respectively, of the
screens of FIGS. 5 to 7. In addition, each of the screens of FIGS.
5 to 8 includes the following additional soft keys, namely, an undo
shot key 51, which facilitates editing of the last shot, in other
words repositioning the indicated position on the screen. A soft
key 52 for facilitating indicating if the ball landed out of
bounds, although, as discussed above this can be entered directly
by touching the screen or by locating the cursor on the screen in
an appropriate out of bound area 35. A soft key 53 for facilitating
exiting from the screen is also provided. Soft keys 60 and 61 are
provided on the respective screens of FIGS. 5 to 8 for calling up
the title of the course being played and the name of the player.
Locations 63 to 66 are provided on the respective screens of FIGS.
5 to 8 for indicating the hole being played, the par and the
yardage of the hole. The microprocessor 2 under the control of the
computer programme automatically increments the number of the hole
as each hole has been played, however, an overwriting provision is
made for overwriting the hole number.
[0073] As each hole is played the microprocessor 2 under the
control of the computer programme computes the number of shots
taken by the player from the tee 33 to the hole 29, and the number
of shots is stored in the RAM 5. The microprocessor 2 also computes
the number of shots to the green, and the number of shots on the
green which are stored in the RAM 5 for each hole. The
microprocessor 2 deducts the player's handicap from the score for
each hole and stores the score for each hole and for the round in
the RAM 5. The microprocessor 2 also compares the score for each
hole against the par and index of the hole and also stores this
information in the RAM 5. The scores for the front nine holes and
the back nine holes are stored separately in the RAM 5. When a game
has been completed the microprocessor 2 outputs the scores of each
player for the round in tabular form which is displayed on the VDU
3.
[0074] Referring in particular to FIG. 9 the format of a table in
which the score is displayed on the VDU 3 is illustrated. As can be
seen the score for each hole less the player's handicap is
displayed, as well as the par and index for the hole. The total
score for the front nine and the back nine holes are separately
displayed. Needless to say, it will be appreciated that the scores
using other golf conventions may also be displayed in appropriate
tabular form. The microprocessor 2 under the control of the
computer programme also stores the scores of a number of games
played on the same course by the same player in the RAM 5, and
under the control of the computer programme the microprocessor 2
selects the best score of the player on each hole, and displays in
tabular form the results of a game using the best score on each
hole achieved by the player. This score sheet is referred to as the
score sheet of a "dream game". Similarly, the microprocessor 2
under the control of the computer programme selects the worst
scores achieved by the same player on the same course on each of
the holes over a predetermined number of games and displays the
score sheet of a game using the worst score for each hole, and the
score displayed on such a score sheet is referred to as a
"nightmare game".
[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates a typical score sheet which is displayed
on the VDU 3 if one wishes to display a number of games for
comparison purposes. FIG. 11 shows another score sheet whereby
scores from different courses, for example, in this case Tralee and
Cyprus golf courses, are displayed on the VDU 3 and compared. FIGS.
12(a) to 12(c) illustrate a typical analysis which can be displayed
on the screen.
[0076] The device can be used by a number of players playing in a
competition, for example, by two players in a "two ball", three in
a "three ball", four in a "four ball" and up to five players in a
"five ball". Each of the players can input their scores on each
hole and the position of the ball after each shot can be entered
through the screen for each player by graphically indicating the
position on the respective graphical representations of the
reference fairways and greens indicative of the location of the
ball after each shot.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a routine of
the computer programme for facilitating recording of the score and
the positions of the ball on the fairways and greens in a game of
golf played by a number of players. Block 70 of the routine
commences the routine and loads defaults and displays the last
played course and player. The routine permits the player to select
the screen 10 illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, and if selected the
routine moves to block 71 and/or 72. Block 71 permits a new course
title and the names of the players to be entered. Block 72 permits
the title of the course and the names of the players to be edited.
The routine then moves to block 73 which saves the particulars
entered of the course and the players in the RAM 5. The routine
then moves to block 74 which again displays the screen 10 of FIGS.
2 to 4 and permits the particulars of the round of golf to be
played, and the condition of the players, course, the tee colours
and the date to be entered. Alternatively, block 74 could have been
selected by the player directly from block 70. The routine then
moves to block 75 which is a save default condition which saves
particulars entered through the screen 10 while displayed under the
control of block 74.
[0078] The routine then moves to block 75 which initiates the new
game. The routine in initiating the new game under block 75 selects
the appropriate reference fairway for the first tee or permits the
player to select an appropriate reference fairway from the stored
reference fairway. The routine also selects the skins, defines the
course and the players of the game. The routine then moves to block
80 which is a loop subroutine and is described in detail with
reference to the subroutine 80 also illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0079] The subroutine commences with block 81 which requests
particulars of the par of the hole to be played, and moves to block
82, which selects and displays the reference fairways 30 of the
appropriate par graphically on the VDU, which is loaded from the
ROM by block 82. The subroutine then moves to block 83 which
permits the player to enter his shots and penalties on the hole and
moves to block 84 which permits the player to enter the position of
the ball after each shot by touching the screen or positioning the
cursor at a location on the fairway 30 or the green 31
corresponding to the position of the ball after each shot. Block 84
also displays the entered position of the ball and the path of the
ball to the entered position. The path of the ball is illustrated
by the line 37, see FIG. 13. Block 85 permits editing of the
position of the last shot entered graphically on the fairway or
green as the case may be. The subroutine then moves to block 86
which queries the player as to whether the last shot has landed on
the green, and if so, the subroutine moves to block 87, otherwise
the subroutine returns to block 83. Block 87 graphically displays
an appropriate green such as the green 31 illustrated in FIG. 8.
The subroutine moves to block 88 which permits the player to enter
the location of the ball graphically on the green as already
described with reference to block 84, and displays the entered
position of the ball under block 89 on the screen. The subroutine
returns to block 88 until the ball has been holed. Block 90
questions the player as to whether the ball has been holed, and if
so, moves the subroutine to block 91 which queries if all eighteen
holes of the game have been played. If not, the subroutine moves to
block 92 which permits the next hole to be selected by returning
the subroutine to block 81. On the other hand, if all eighteen
holes have been played, the subroutine moves from block 91 to block
93 which confirms that the game is over and instructs the
microprocessor 2 to compute the scores for the players of the
game.
[0080] The subroutine then returns control of the microprocessor 2
to the routine under which the microprocessor was operating prior
to entering the subroutine loop 80, and moves to block 94 which
queries the player as to whether the game is to be saved or
otherwise. Under block 95 if the player confirms that the game is
to be discarded, the routine moves to block 96, which discards the
game. If the game is to be saved, the routine moves to block 97 and
saves the game in the RAM 5. After block 96 and 97 the routine
moves to block 98 which displays a statistical summary of the game
and returns control of the microprocessor 2 to the main
computer.
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 15, a flow chart of a routine of the
computer programme which permits review of games already played and
stored in the device 1 to be reviewed is illustrated. The routine
commences with block 100 which displays a list of the games stored
in the RAM 15. The routine may be directed by the player to move to
block 101 which filters the games by date, course, user and score
and moves through a filter block 102 to block 103 which permits the
game to be selected. Alternatively, the routine may be moved to
block 104 which permits all games to be selected and then moves to
block 105 which provides for an automatic game selection. The
routine then moves to block 106 which permits deleting, editing or
displaying of a selected game. If delete is selected under block
106 the routine moves to block 107 which deletes the game, and then
moves to block 108, which updates the file to remove particulars of
the deleted game from the RAM 5. After block 108 the routine
returns control of the microprocessor to the main computer
programme. Should it be desired to edit the selected game, an edit
request is entered under block 106 and the routine moves to block
109 which permits editing of the game. The routine then moves to
block 110 which checks that only one game has been selected. If
more than one game has been selected, the routine is returned from
block 110 to block 103 or block 104, both of which have already
been described. On the other hand, if only one game has been
selected, the routine moves to block 111 which selects the game
from the RAM 5 and moves to block 112 which displays the game in
input mode and recommences with block 70 of the routine of FIG. 14.
After editing has been completed the routine moves to block 114
which confirms that editing has been completed, and then moves to
block 115, which requests the user to indicate if the edited game
is to be saved or otherwise. Under block 116 the user indicates
whether the game is to be saved or discarded and the routine moves
appropriately to block 117 which discards the game or to block 118
which saves the game in the RAM 5. The routine moves from block 117
and 118 and returns control of the microprocessor to the main
computer programme.
[0082] Returning now to block 106, if the player selects that the
selected game is to be displayed under block 106, the routine moves
to block 120 which provides for viewing of the game. The routine
then moves to block 121 which queries as to whether one or two
games are to be played. If one game is to be played, the routine
moves to block 122 which displays the selected game. On the other
hand, if two games are selected under block 121 the routine moves
to block 123 which facilitates comparisons to be made between the
two games. The routine then moves to block 124 and moves backwards
and forwards between block 123 and block 124 to permit browsing and
comparison of various aspects of the game. On the browsing and
comparison being completed, the routine then moves to block 125
which returns control of the microprocessor to the main programme.
On the other hand, if block 121 had selected just one game to be
displayed, the game, as already discussed, is displayed under block
122 and the routine moves to block 126 which facilitates browsing
through the game. On completion of browsing the routine moves to
block 25, which has already been described.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 16, a routine which permits a player
to analyse his or her performance in a game is illustrated. Block
130 commences the routine which lists the games which can be
selected. This is similar to block 100 of the routine of FIG. 15.
The routine of FIG. 16, as with the routine of FIG. 15, permits
filtering of the games through block 131, 132 and then moves to
block 133 which permits a game to be selected. Alternatively, the
routine permits all games to be selected under block 134, and moves
to block 135 which selects all games. The routine then moves from
block 133 or block 135 to block 136 which queries a player as to
whether the score card details are to be displayed and also if they
are to be saved out on disk. If they are to be detailed, the
routine moves to block 137 which details the score cards and moves
to block 138 which checks if only one game has been selected. If
more than one game has been selected, block 138 returns the routine
to block 133 or 134. If only one game has been selected, the
routine moves from block 138 to block 139 which loads the selected
game from the RAM 15, and moves to block 140 which displays various
aspects of the game on the VDU 3. The information which is
displayed is a general executive summary, a general detailed
analysis, analysis of games split in subsections, a link to all
files is also provided, and statistics of the game may also be
displayed. After block 140 the routine returns control of the
microprocessor 2 to the main computer. On the other hand, if block
136 requested a score card to be displayed, the routine moves to
block 141, which moves the routine to block 142, which generates
the score card and loads it in an internet explorer format for ease
of display and subsequent printing out, if so required. After block
142 the routine returns control of the microprocessor 2 to the main
computer programme. If under block 136 it was requested that the
selected game be saved on disk, the routine moves to block 145
which permits a file name to be chosen for the game and then saves
the programme on disk and returns to block 136.
[0084] The main computer programme under which the microprocessor 2
is controlled controls the transfer of control of the
microprocessor between the routines which have already been
described. The main computer programme also carries out general
housekeeping of the microprocessor which will be well known to
those skilled in the art, and also includes a large number of
subroutines for controlling the graphical representations of the
fairways 30, and the greens 31, as well as the presentation of the
scores in the various formats. Such subroutines will be well known
to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the main computer
programme also includes appropriate subroutines for reading data
from the ROM 6 and the RAM 5 and for storing data and the graphical
representations of the fairways and green for each hole played by
each player in the ROM 5. Further, the main computer programme
comprises appropriate subroutines for facilitating reading the
location of the cursor or of a touch on the screen if the screen is
provided by a touch screen for determining the indicated position
of the ball on the screen. All such subroutines will be well known
to those skilled in the art and further description should not be
required.
[0085] The device according to the invention has the additional
advantages that it permits ready display of any particular game
played by one or more players. Many games by one or a number of
players can be stored and recalled instantly. The games can be
stored under any suitable classification system, for example, by
name of person, course and date played, or by any other suitable
means. A player may also use the device to enter a game played by a
professional on a particular course, and compare his or her game
with that of the professional.
[0086] While the device according to the invention has been
described as being a hand held device, the device may be any other
suitable device, and indeed, may be provided in the form of a
computer, such as, for example, a personal computer. In which case,
the computer would operate under the computer programme already
described in similar fashion as the hand held device. Furthermore,
it is envisaged that any or all the graphical representations of
golf games stored in the hand held device may be downloaded onto
any suitable type of computer, for example, a personal computer for
comparison with other games downloaded, or other games stored in
the personal computer, for editing and/or for any other
purpose.
[0087] It is also envisaged that the device according to the
invention may include a means for reading the wind speed and
direction on the day a game of golf is being played, and may also
include a means for reading the humidity and temperature on the day
the golf game is being played. The computer programme would be
adapted for reading and storing the wind speed and direction, the
humidity and the temperature, and all such parameters would be
stored in the first storing means, namely, the RAM 5.
* * * * *