U.S. patent application number 14/357426 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for system and method of storing and communicating the location of a pin on a golf course.
This patent application is currently assigned to SKYHAWKE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.. The applicant listed for this patent is SKYHAWKE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.. Invention is credited to Richard C. Edmonson, James W. Meadows.
Application Number | 20140315660 14/357426 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48290678 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140315660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Edmonson; Richard C. ; et
al. |
October 23, 2014 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STORING AND COMMUNICATING THE LOCATION OF A
PIN ON A GOLF COURSE
Abstract
A system and method for storing and communicating the location
of the pin on one or more greens on a golf course. The location of
the golf pin is entered into a system and is uploaded for
incorporation in a course map depicting the golf course being
played by the golfer. The pin location information is used to
measure distance from the location aware device to the pin
location.
Inventors: |
Edmonson; Richard C.;
(Ridgeland, MS) ; Meadows; James W.; (Madison,
MS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SKYHAWKE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. |
Ridgeland |
MS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SKYHAWKE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
Ridgeland
MS
|
Family ID: |
48290678 |
Appl. No.: |
14/357426 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 13, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/64825 |
371 Date: |
May 9, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61558272 |
Nov 10, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 19/39 20130101;
A63B 2102/32 20151001; G01C 21/36 20130101; A63B 69/36 20130101;
A63B 2071/0691 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/407 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. A method of storing and communicating topographical information
to and from devices by means of an accessible network, the
topographical information being the location of a pin on a green of
a hole on a golf course, the method comprising: selecting on a
display screen, one or more greens of a plurality of greens of the
golf course, for setting a pin position on the green; setting a
position of the pin on one or more of the plurality of greens;
storing the position of the pin on each of the one or more greens;
uploading the position of the pin on each of the one or more greens
to a central information processing site and database; and making
available the locations of the one or more pins to a location aware
device for determining a distance from the location aware device to
the one or more pins.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein setting the position of the pin
on the one or more greens includes: selecting one or more greens on
the display screen that will have their pin locations set;
selecting a number of zones to be placed on a graphical
representation of the one or more selected greens.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising dragging an dropping
each numbered zone onto the graphical representation of the one or
more greens.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the storing the position of the
pin represented by each numbered zone on each of the one or more
greens, includes uploading the pin position information to the
central information processing site and database to be stored.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the information is uploaded
through the interne, a wireless connection, or other conventional
communications protocol.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein a graphical representation on the
display screen of the one or more greens includes a grid system
having grid squares overlaid on each of the one or more greens.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein setting the position of the pin
includes selecting one of the grid squares that approximates the
actual pin location.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising setting the pin
position for each of eighteen holes for a golf course.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein one or more of the grid squares
each represents a five yard by five yard area of the particular
green.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the storing the position of the
pin on each of the one or more greens includes uploading the pin
position information to the central information processing site and
database to be stored.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the information is uploaded
through the internet, a wireless connection, other conventional
communications protocol.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein setting the position of the pin
on one or more of the greens includes entering a distance of the
pin with respect to at least one of a front of the green, a back of
the green, a left side of the green, and a right side of the
green.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the storing the position of the
pin on each of the one or more greens includes uploading the pin
position information to the central information processing site and
database to be stored.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the information is uploaded
through the internet, a wireless connection, or other conventional
communications protocol.
15. The method of claim 4 further comprising: geo-referencing the
pin location information represented by each numbered zone to a
digitized golf course map; and providing the geo-referenced pin
location information to a location aware device.
16. The method of claim 10 further comprising: geo-referencing the
pin location information to a digitized golf course map; and
providing the geo-referenced pin location information to a location
aware device member.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising: geo-referencing the
pin location information to a digitized golf course map; and
providing the geo-referenced pin location information to a location
aware device.
18. The method of claim 3, wherein the numbered zones include one
of three or four zones.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the display screen is provided
with the location aware device.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the display screen is provided
separate from the location aware device.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the position of the pins for
each of the one or more greens is set by personnel of the golf
course.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the position of the pins for
each of the one or more greens is set independent of golf course
personnel.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the person, independent of the
golf course personnel, setting the pin location sets the pin
location for the one or more greens using the location aware
device.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the pin location information is
entered into a computer program.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the method additionally
comprises printing a pin sheet that includes a graphical
representation of the pin locations for a plurality of greens on
the golf course.
26. A system of storing and communicating topographical information
to and from devices by means of an accessible network, the
topographical information being the location of a pin on a green of
a hole on a golf course, comprising: an information processing and
viewing device, including a processor or microprocessor that
interprets and executes instructions; a memory capable of storing a
digitized golf course map and computer software program
instructions; an input interface that permits a user to input
information relative to the location of the pin; a display for
displaying a computer software program interface, course
information and green representations; and a communications
interface for communicating information from the information
processing and viewing device to a central information processing
site and database; a digitized golf course map that includes a
digitized map of at least one green on a hole of a golf course; a
computer software program installed on the information processing
and viewing device that receives an input from the user that
corresponds to the pin location and which associates the pin
location with a corresponding location on the digitized course map;
a network through which the information processing and viewing
device communicates with the central information processing site
and database and the central information processing site and
database communicates with a location aware device; the central
information processing site and database, including a
communications interface capable of receiving the pin location from
the information processing and viewing device; a processor or
microprocessor capable of processing the pin location received from
the information processing and viewing device to incorporate such
pin location into the course map that includes the green on which
the pin is located; a memory capable of storing the pin location;
and a communications interface capable of transmitting the pin
location and course map to the location aware device and other
client devices; and the location aware device, including a
communications interface capable of receiving from the central
information processing site and database the digitized course map
and the pin location; a memory capable of storing the digitized
course map, including the pin location; a position module with an
antenna receiving location data; a processor or microprocessor,
responsive to the position module, from which the location of the
location aware device on the golf course and the distance from the
location aware device to the pin location can be determined; and a
display to display the distance from the location aware device to
the pin location.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the pin location is one of a
plurality of pin locations on a golf course.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein the input from the user
includes the distance of the pin from at least one point along the
border of the green.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the distance from at least one
point along the border of the green includes at least one point
chosen from the front of the green, the back of the green, the left
side of the green and the right side of the green.
30. The system of claim 26, wherein the input from the user is one
of a plurality of zones on the green within which the pin is
located.
31. The system of claim 26, wherein the input from the user is one
of a plurality of grid locations on the green within which the pin
is located.
32. The system of claim 26, wherein the position module on the
location aware device is a GPS module that receives global
positioning data from satellites orbiting the earth.
33. The system of claim 26, wherein the location ware device
displays additionally displays a representation of the green on
which the pin is located and displays the location of the pin on
the green.
34. The system of claim 26, wherein the information processing and
viewing device additionally includes an output device, such as a
conventional printer, with which a pin sheet may be printed that
includes a graphical representation of the pin locations for a
plurality of greens on the golf course.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein the pin sheet additionally
includes advertisements or other written notifications or
communications to the golfer.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for
storing and communicating the location of the pin on one or more
greens on a golf course. The golf pin location is uploaded for
incorporation in a course map depicting the golf course, and used
to measure a distance from the location aware device to the pin
location.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] In the game of golf, it is desirable for a player to have
accurate distance measurements corresponding to a golf hole before
taking a shot. For example, during the course of playing a game of
golf, the golfer must often determine the distance between the golf
ball and various other locations on the golf holes such as hazards,
end of the fairway, bunkers, front, middle, back of the green.
Another important distance to know is the distance between the golf
ball and the pin on the green. Knowing the distance that the ball
must travel to the pin is one of the most important factors the
golfer must consider for selection of the proper golf club.
[0005] Previously, it was necessary for a player to estimate the
distance to the pin on the green by using markings on the course
and/or a yardage book indicating distances between various points
on the course to the green. However, the use of portable location
aware electronic devices has become common in the game of golf to
ascertain distances from a player's current position to the golf
pin. These location aware devices are typically in the form of a
handheld computing device with geolocation awareness, such as GPS
devices, that may be capable of displaying an outline of a golf
hole and distances from the location aware device to the golf
pin.
[0006] In the related art however, in order to determine the
distance from a location aware device to the pin on a green, it
would be necessary to use surveying or other equipment capable of
determining a geolocation, to be physically placed at the pin
location to obtain the actual pin location coordinates. These pin
coordinates would then have to be uploaded and stored and then
provided to the user. A drawback with related art devices is that
each time a pin location is moved on the green, it would be
necessary for golf course personnel to physically take the survey
or other geolocation determining equipment to the new pin location
and repeat the steps of recording the position and transmitting the
information.
SUMMARY
[0007] In view of the above noted shortcomings in acquiring a pin
location for pins on the golf course, the inventors have derived a
system that allows the location of the golf pin or cup to be
entered into a computer with a geo-referenced depiction of the
green, typically by golf course personnel. Additionally, the
inventors have derived a system that allows the golfer to enter pin
locations.
[0008] Allowing the pin location to be determined in this manner
and then provided to the golfer for use during a round of golf is
distinguished from the related art methods in which surveying or
other equipment capable of determining a geolocation is physically
placed at the pin location and the actual location coordinates
obtained and uploaded as discussed above.
[0009] Instead, in one or more examples of the present invention,
the pin location is determined using an existing course map and a
computer with a geo-referenced depiction of the green, or entered
by the golfer, but in either case the pin location can be
determined without placing at the actual pin location surveying or
other equipment capable of determining the pin's geolocation.
[0010] An nonlimiting example of the present invention includes a
method of storing and communicating the location of a pin on a
green on a golf course, the method including selecting on a display
screen, one or more greens of a plurality of greens of the golf
course, for setting a pin position on the green, setting a position
of the pin on one or more of the plurality of greens, uploading the
position of the pin to a central information processing site and
database, storing the position of the pin on each of the one or
more greens, and downloading the pin positions to a location aware
device. The location aware device can thereafter, using methods
known to those skilled in the art, determine the distance from the
location aware device to the pin position.
[0011] As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of
advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in
practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to
include one or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed
herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that
the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples
and are not to be construed as limiting, particularly since
embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not
include each of the features of the disclosed examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A more complete appreciation of this disclosure and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by references to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computer program application
dashboard or initial screen for use in one or more embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a Pin Sheet screen according to an
example;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates the edit screen to set or change zone
locations in one or more embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates the edit screen displaying a pin view in
an example;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates the edit screen displaying a zone view in
an example;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a modified zone view after dropping the
zones to their proper hypothetical location in an example;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a print function for the PinPoint program
in an exemplary embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a printed pin sheet showing zones;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates written pin sheets showing the pin on
each green located by the number of yards or paces from the front
of the green and from one of the sides of the green in an
example;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a display of where a pin is located on a
green according to an example;
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a possible display in an example of the
invention in which information is provided by the location aware
device member;
[0024] FIG. 12 depicts an example of the invention in which a
member enters the data for a golf course;
[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a display for a member so as to drag and
drop zone numbers to an appropriate location on the green screen
display in one or more embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 14 shows a result of dragging and dropping zone numbers
on the green screen display shown in FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary hardware configuration of a
location-aware device of one or more exemplary embodiments;
[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates a hardware diagram of a processing
system embodying aspects of one or more examples;
[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates a main menu appearing on the device
screen according to an example;
[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates the selection by the user of using Pin
locations;
[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates the selection of Zone locations;
[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a screen that allows a
user to select an option to set the pin locations himself;
[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a green in which the
golfer can set a custom pin location as discussed with respect to
FIG. 20;
[0034] FIG. 22 illustrates a display for the user to declare if he
is finished setting pin locations as discussed with respect to the
example of FIGS. 20-21;
[0035] FIG. 23 illustrates a display for the user to input which
hole of the golf course the user wants to start on;
[0036] FIG. 24 illustrates a display of an entire hole chosen in
the display shown in FIG. 23 with respect to an embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 25 illustrates a green only view according to an
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary screen shown to the user
with respect to one or more embodiments for beginning the round of
golf;
[0039] FIG. 27 illustrates an option for the user to view the
scoring for the round of golf as well as the option for the Pin
Location setting to be on or off; and
[0040] FIG. 28 illustrates a display for the user to select a zone
to use with respect to exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Aspects of the present disclosure will now be described
below with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout
several views.
[0042] Typically, other prior art methods require surveying or
other equipment capable of determining a geolocation to be
physically placed at the pin location and the actual location
coordinates obtained and uploaded as discussed above. However, with
respect to one or more examples described herein, the pin location
is determined using references from existing course maps and a
computer with a geo-referenced depiction of the green, or entered
by the golfer. That is, in one or more examples, it is not
necessary to have surveying or other equipment capable of
determining a geolocation at the pin location.
[0043] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to allowing the
location of the golf pin or cup to be entered by golf course
personnel or golfer as described below with respect to further
examples. This feature is called PinPoint. The golf pin location is
uploaded for incorporation in a digitized, geo-referenced course
map depicting the golf course, such as those course maps offered by
SkyGolf, for use with a location aware device, such as the
SkyCaddie GPS based rangefinder, and using that location
information to measure distance from the location aware device to
the pin location. It should be appreciated that while reference is
made to a SkyCaddie location aware device, embodiments of the
invention are equally applicable to other location aware
devices.
[0044] Similarly, while reference is made to SkyGolf, embodiments
of the invention are equally applicable to any entity that
maintains and makes available to users, though, for example, the
internet, wireless communications or other communications portals,
a geo-referenced golf course map which is used, for example, to
determine distances during golf play using a location aware device
onto which the digital map has been downloaded through any number
of recognized embodiments. Additionally, while reference is made to
locating the pin on each hole of a golf course, one or more systems
and methods of the invention are useful for locating the pin
location on one or more holes and not necessary all holes on the
course. For example, on some days only one or two pins are moved so
that only the locations of those pins that were moved need to be
updated.
[0045] The location aware device could be hand held or golf cart
mounted for example, and would include for example, a processor,
memory, display and a communications interface to provide access to
the internet. An exemplary hardware configuration of a
location-aware device is described in reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15
is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a
location-aware portable device 100 that is used by a player to
obtain golf course related distance information. The location-aware
device 100 may be a handheld device having firmware and software
that allow control of the operation of the device 100. The
location-aware device may include multiple components that are
managed by microcontroller 105 running software stored in a flash
memory 115 or random-access memory 110, for example. The
microcontroller 105 serves as an interface and controller for a
plurality of hardware systems and device application systems of the
location-aware device.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the primary purpose of the
portable location-aware device 100 is to provide a golfer with
distance information to various points on a green (such as the
input pin information discussed above), to various targets and
hazards on the golf course. The distance information is provided to
the user by referencing mapped data stored in the flash memory 110,
for example, to real time Global Positioning System (GPS) position
data acquired by an onboard GPS receiver 120. The microcontroller
105 processes the GPS data and derives calculations to the mapped
points and various areas on the course. This information is then
displayed to the player through a graphical user interface that
includes, for example, a sunlight readable color thin-film
transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) display 125 having a
light-emitting diode (LED) backlight 130. The LED backlight 130 is
controlled by a photosensor 135 that measures ambient light and
adjusts the brightness of the backlight accordingly. The LCD 125 is
transflective so the backlight brightness is reduced when the unit
is in sunlight and the brightness is increased when the unit is in
low light conditions.
[0047] The microcontroller 105 also receives input from the player
by a keypad and/or joystick 140. The user input may correspond to a
command to move a cursor on the graphical user interface, a command
to enter data, a command to select a particular course for display,
etc. The location-aware device 100 may also include a touch screen
143 that would be used by the player to enter information and/or
otherwise control the location-aware device 100.
[0048] As noted above, the mapped course data may be stored in an
onboard flash memory 115, which can be updated via connection of a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 140, micro-Secure Digital
(micro-SD) card 145, WiFi radio 170 or other wireless
communications device 175. An operating system of the
microcontroller 105 and various applications executed by the
microcontroller 105 may also utilize the onboard RAM 110 for
storage of temporary data.
[0049] An onboard accelerometer 150 determines an orientation of
the unit and measures acceleration along a vector. In one exemplary
embodiment, the axis orientation and acceleration information is
used by the microcontroller 105 to rotate the course data displayed
via the graphical user interface to align with the player's
orientation on a particular hole, for example. The location-aware
device is powered by a battery 115 that is managed by a charging
circuit and power management circuit 160 to provide power to the
various components of the location-aware device. The location-aware
device also includes a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver 165 that
receives signals transmitted from tags, which may transmit a club
tag ID, tag battery status and other sensor data if the tag is in
an operational state attached to a club.
[0050] FIG. 16 is a hardware diagram of an information processing
and viewing device embodying aspects of this disclosure, including
aspects involving a computer, tablet, smart phone, and the like,
utilized to input pin positions, which can communicate with a
network, mobile terminal or other processing device. The processes,
algorithms and electronically driven systems described herein can
be implemented via a discrete control device or computing system
consistent with the structure shown in FIG. 16. Such a system is
described herein as a processing system. FIG. 16 is also a hardware
diagram of the central information processing site and database,
which, as one skilled in the art can appreciate, can be any of a
number of readily available computer servers.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 16, a processing system in accordance with
this disclosure can be implemented using a microprocessor or its
equivalent, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or at least one
application specific processor ASP (not shown). The microprocessor
utilizes a computer readable storage medium, such as a memory
(e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, static memory, DRAM,
SDRAM, and their equivalents), configured to control the
microprocessor to perform and/or control the processes and systems
of this disclosure. Other storage mediums can be controlled via a
controller, such as a disk controller, which can controls a hard
disk drive or optical disk drive.
[0052] The microprocessor or aspects thereof, in an alternate
embodiment, can include or exclusively include a logic device for
augmenting or fully implementing this disclosure. Such a logic
device includes, but is not limited to, an application-specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA),
a generic-array of logic (GAL), and their equivalents. The
microprocessor can be a separate device or a single processing
mechanism. Further, this disclosure can benefit form parallel
processing capabilities of a multi-cored CPU.
[0053] In another aspect, results of processing or the input of
data in accordance with this disclosure can be displayed via a
display controller to a monitor. The display controller would then
preferably include at least one graphic processing unit for
improved computational efficiency. Additionally, an I/O
(input/output) interface is provided for inputting data from a
keyboard or a pointing device (not shown) for controlling
parameters of the various processes and algorithms of this
disclosure can be connected to the I/O interface to provide
additional functionality and configuration options, or control
display characteristics. Moreover, the monitor can be provided with
a touch-sensitive interface to a command/instruction interface, and
other peripherals can be incorporated, including a scanner or a web
cam when image-based data entry is used.
[0054] The above-noted components can be coupled to a network, as
shown in FIG. 16, such as the Internet or a local intranet, via a
network interface for the transmission or reception of data,
including controllable parameters. The network provides a
communication path to the mobile device, which can be provided by
way of packets of data. Additionally, a central BUS is provided to
connect the above hardware components together and provides at
least one path for digital communication therebetween.
[0055] As discussed below with respect to one or more exemplary
embodiments of the invention, using a golf course map that is
geo-referenced, a green on a golf course is graphed or displayed
and the pin location determined, utilizing one of several methods.
Exemplary methods in determining the pin location include zone
mode, grid mode or pin sheet mode as set forth in greater detail
below.
[0056] In usual practice, with the use of zones in zone mode, a
golf course superintendent or other golf course personnel divides
the green on each hole into a number of zones, generally either 3
or 4 zones, but any number of zones is within the spirit and scope
of the present invention. These zones are varied by hole. For
example, zone 1 on hole 1 may be in the front portion of the green,
while zone 1 on hole 2 may be in the back portion, etc. The pin on
each hole is located each day in the same zone. For example, on
Thursday the pins may be placed in zone 3, while on Saturday the
pins may be moved to zone 2. Moving the pin to various locations on
the green is done to prevent wear in a particular area of a green,
as well as to vary the challenge of an approach into the green for
those players playing the course multiple times over several days.
Further, the purpose in placing zones with the same number in
different parts of different greens is to improve the golfer's
experience so that, for instance, the pins are not all put on the
front portion of the green on one day and all on the back portion
of the green on another day. In each round, the golfer will be
playing to pins located in the front on some greens, in the back of
others, and one side or another on still others.
[0057] An exemplary method utilizing the zone mode, is initiated by
entering into the course map, the locations of each zone on one or
more of the holes for a particular golf course and uploading the
locations to the server, or central information processing site and
database, housing the course map for download to location aware
devices used by golfers, such as, for example, uploading the
locations to SkyGolf for download and use by golfers using a
SkyCaddie device. The zones then become a geo-referenced feature of
the map just like other features, such as, for example, the
location of a sand trap, a creek or the green itself.
Advantageously, the zones only have to be entered into the course
map one time. Thereafter, the zones for the greens will thereafter
be available to any user who downloads the course map onto their
location aware device. The actual incorporating of the pin location
into the course map available for download to location aware
devices can occur at either the golf course information processing
and viewing device or at the central information processing site
and database. In the latter case, the pin location would be entered
into the information processing and viewing device and uploaded to
the central information processing site and database for
incorporation onto the course map. One reason for having the actual
incorporation of the pin location into the course map performed at
the central information processing site and database is to allow
the course map supplier to maintain tighter control over the course
map. In the former case, the information processing and viewing
device would be given administrative access to the course map,
allowing changes to be made to the course map sufficient to allow
the pin locations to be incorporated into the course map and
eventual download to location aware devices.
[0058] According to an aspect of the invention, once the zone
enabled course map is downloaded onto the location aware device,
before each round of golf, any user by way of a "setting" choice on
the location aware device for example, enters the zone applicable
that day. Distances from the location device, for example held in
the golfers hand, to that day's zone on the green can then be
determined and displayed for viewing on the location device for any
of the golf holes played by the user throughout the round of
golf.
[0059] In a nonlimiting example, in the zone mode, zones are
entered into the course map by the golf course personnel using a
PinPoint computer program for example. Further examples provide for
golfers themselves to enter the zones into the course map, as
described below. It should be appreciated that any authorized
person with the appropriate computing devices would be able to
enter the zones. However the zones are entered, a computer program
application, typically but not exclusively provided by the course
map supplier, such as, for example SkyGolf, is utilized.
[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 1, once the PinPoint computer
application is accessed, the process is initiated through an
initial menu or "dashboard" screen, as depicted in FIG. 1. Once a
user is logged in and the dashboard page is displayed, the course
superintendent for example, would click on the Pin Sheet tab. The
Pin Sheet tab takes the course superintendent to the pin sheet
preview screen as shown in FIG. 2. This pin sheet preview screen is
capable of displaying each green. For example, instead of or in
addition to numbers 1-18 representing the 18 greens of the golf
course, a further example provides for a depiction of the 18 greens
to be shown. The greens that are displayed can include a general
depiction of the green and an outline of the shape of the green as
viewed from above. In an alternate embodiment, a detailed depiction
of the greens in the pin sheet preview screen can be provided
showing, bunkers near the green, water hazards, out of bounds near
the green, general slope of the green shown by visual indicators on
the green, elevation change of the green, and the like. It should
be appreciated that any information that could be useful to the
user could be shown with the green depiction. Once in edit mode as
described below, the greens displayed are geo-referenced to the
course map so that selecting a location on the displayed green
associates that location with the like location on the course
map.
[0061] In one or more examples, to set or change zone locations,
the superintendent would click on the Edit tab, taking the
superintendent to the edit screen as best shown in FIG. 3. The edit
screen displays one of three views--grid mode shown in FIG. 3, pin
mode shown in FIG. 4 or zone mode shown in FIG. 5. The particular
mode to be displayed is selected using the Sheet Type drop down
option, shown in this example on the left side of the screen in
FIGS. 3-5. The superintendent or other authorized user, would
select the hole for which he desires to set the zones by clicking
on the appropriate number on the right side of the screen above the
green depiction. As an example, in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, hole 1 of the
TPC at Sawgrass, Stadium course is selected. The green depicted on
the display screen in the three Figures is the geo-referenced hole
1 green of the TPC at Sawgrass Stadium course from the SkyGolf
course map. Because the green displayed is geo-referenced to the
course map, clicking on a point on the screen display will
geo-reference that point on the course map. In the FIG. 3 example,
the green display can be overlaid with horizontal and vertical grid
lines, each completed grid square representing 5 yards in width and
5 yards in height, for example. However, any dimension of the grid
size in yards or meters is within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. The gird lines can be turned on or off as
desired using the grid option button on the left side of the
screen.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the invention with respect to
using the zone mode shown in FIG. 5, the superintendent uses the
Zone Count drop down option on the screen to select the number of
zones for the displayed green. In this example, four zones is
selected. A number appears on the screen for each zone selected.
That is, in FIG. 5, the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 randomly appear on
the screen since four zones was selected. The superintendent can
then drag and drop each zone number on the screen to the location
on the green corresponding to that zone number. In this example,
FIG. 6 shows what the Edit screen would look like in a hypothetical
situation after the user drags and drops the zones to their proper
hypothetical location on the green. As compared to FIG. 5, the
location of numbers 1-4 in FIG. 6 have changed location.
[0063] Due to the fact that the displayed depiction is
geo-referenced to the course map, once the one or more zone numbers
are dragged and dropped at its proper location, that zone is
geo-referenced to the course maps. Once all the zones on the
desired holes are selected, the superintendent then uploads the
information to the central information processing site and
database, such as the course map supplier's server, through, for
example, the internet, a wireless connection or other known
communications portal. As a result, the zone locations become a
part of each course map and available for use in the normal manner
with the location aware device onto which the course and pin
locations have been downloaded using the internet, wireless
connection or other communication portal.
[0064] The pin locations program residing on the location aware
device would include a settings option for each course in which the
zones selected for play on the day of the golfer's round can be
selected at the beginning of the round. For instance, if on a
particular day the pins are placed in zone 3, before his round the
golfer would adjust the "zone setting" to zone 3. Thereafter, as
the golfer plays his round, he can obtain distances to zone 3 on
each hole, just as he would other course features on the course
map.
[0065] In a nonlimiting example, the PinPoint program could also
provide a print function, where the superintendent can print pin
sheets for each day, round, etc., as best shown in FIG. 7. The
print screen can include a number of options on the right side,
including whether to print a zone pin sheet, a grid pin sheet or a
pin sheet showing paces from front and side, which is referred to
as a pin sheet. FIG. 8 is a printed pin sheet showing zones. There
are numerous advantages to allowing pin sheets to be thus printed.
For instance, the course can immediately print a pin sheet when
needed, and does not have to have a large number professionally
printed before use. Pin sheets can be changed daily or with
regularity and pin sheets can include rotating information and/or
advertising.
[0066] In one or more examples of the invention using Grid mode,
the process is as set forth above with respect to zones, except
instead of zones supplied by the golf course, a grid system is used
as best shown in FIG. 3. The grid pattern is automatically overlaid
on the green, creating a number of squares over the green. The
dimensions of the grid pattern can be varied in distance. In an
example, the grid pattern creates a square 5 yards by 5 yards.
However, any dimension of the grid size in yards or meters is
within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In use, the
superintendent would simply click on the grid square that
approximates the pin location. Similar to as discussed above with
respect to zone mode, in the present example of grid mode, since
the screen display of the green is geo-referenced to the course
maps, once the location of the pin, i.e., the corresponding grid
square, is selected, that location is automatically geo-referenced
to the course maps. Once a pin location (i.e., the corresponding
grid square) is selected for the desired holes, for example all or
less than all of the holes, the superintendent uploads the
information to the central information processing site and
database, or again the course map supplier's server, where it
becomes a part of each course map and available for use with the
location aware device onto which the course and pin locations are
downloaded and as described above for zone mode.
[0067] In one or more examples of the invention using pin mode, the
process is similar to that described above for zone mode and grid
mode, except that the pin is located by reference to the number of
yards or paces the pin is from the front of the green and the side
of the green. In an example, the side of the green closest to the
pin is used as the side for which to display the number of paces,
but any desirable side can be used. In further examples, other
intersections of the green could also be used, such as the front
portion of the green perpendicular to the pin location rather than
the geographic center front of the green. Additionally, more than
two distances could be used, such as, for example, yards or paces
on, which could represent the geographic center, front, left and
right.
[0068] The information discussed above for pin mode can be obtained
and entered in several ways. In one example, the golf course would
already have in its possession or would create written pin sheets,
such as that depicted in FIG. 9, in which the pin on each green is
located by the number of yards or paces from the front of the green
and from one of the sides of the green, for example the closest
side. On the Edit screen shown in FIG. 4, the superintendent would
manually enter the distance information in the Yards On, Yards Left
and/or Yards Right boxes, as applicable, on the left side of the
screen under Options. The distance information entered would be the
distances matching the pre-printed written pin sheet. For example,
FIG. 10 depicts the 3.sup.rd hole of the TPC at Sawgrass Stadium
course in which the pin is located 18 yards on, 6 yards left and 11
yards right. While FIG. 10 depicts the number of yards left and
right the pin is located, in practice it is not necessary to
include both. Either left or right distances or both left and right
distances could be entered. Similar to the other exemplary modes,
since the screen display is geo-referenced to the course map, the
entered information for each pin on each hole would be
automatically geo-referenced to course maps. Once the pin
information is entered for all holes in which information is
desired to be entered, the superintendent would upload the
information to the central information processing site and
database, where it becomes a part of each course map and available
for use with the location aware device onto which the course and
pin locations are downloaded and as described above for zone mode
and grid mode.
[0069] In a further example of the invention, another way this
information could be entered is for the superintendent to simply
drag and drop the pin on the green display on the edit screen,
rather than manually entering the information in the Yards On,
Yards Left and/or Yards Right boxes under the Options section of
the screen. As the pin is dragged on the green display with the
computer or device mouse, the numbers in the Option boxes are
automatically moved accordingly. When all pin information is
entered, the information is uploaded to the central information
processing site and database similarly as above described.
[0070] In a further example of the invention, information can be
entered without reference to a pre-printed pin sheet. In that case,
the superintendent would simply note the distance on, left and/or
right the pin is located on each hole, and then enter the
information by manually entering the location information in the
boxes under the Options section of the Edit screen or dragging and
dropping the pin icon on the Edit screen green display. When all
pin information is entered, the information is uploaded to the
central information processing site and database for use with the
location aware device onto which the course and pin locations are
downloaded as above described.
[0071] As discussed with respect to one or more embodiments above,
if the golfer is using pin locations provided through PinPoint,
before playing his round of golf, the golfer would download or
update the course map for the golf course at which he intends to
play. This could include either downloading the entire course map
or downloading only the updated data, such as the new pin
locations. The downloading could be done before the golfer arrives
at the course, such as through a WiFi or other internet connection
at his home or office, or once he arrives at the course, such as
through a WiFi or other internet connection at the course. The
course map update would include the pin locations for the day which
have previously been entered and uploaded to the central
information processing site and database as described above.
[0072] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the golfer could
enter the pin locations himself, using a custom pins setting as
described hereinafter. In a nonlimiting example, once the course is
updated on his location aware device and the golfer is ready to
play golf, the golfer turns on his location aware device, and the
main menu appears on the device screen, as shown in FIG. 17. After
activating the Courses setting, the golfer selects the golf course
he wants to play. Once the golf course is selected, the Round
Options menu is displayed as shown in FIG. 27, and the golfer
selects his round options, including for example whether he wants
to use Pin Locations. If the golfer turns on Pin Locations, the
golfer is taken to the Pin Setup menu, shown in FIG. 18 for
instance. At the Pin Setup menu, if the golfer wants to use pin
locations provided through the central information processing site
and database, the golfer selects whether he wants to use Pin Mode
or Zone (or Grid) Mode, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIGS. 18 and
19 show a course in which grid mode is not available and, therefore
they do not depict a selection for grid mode. If the course has
grid mode available, an option for grid mode would also be
included. If the golfer selects zone or grid mode, the device will
toggle to the zone or grid selection screen, where the golfer will
select which zone or grid to use. FIG. 28 shows an example where
zone mode is used and zone 1 has been selected.
[0073] In a nonlimiting example, if the golfer wants to set the pin
locations himself, he would select the New Custom Pins selection on
the Pin Setup screen, as shown in FIG. 20. If the golfer elects to
set custom pin locations, a display of each golf green would
sequentially appear, where the golfer is able to select the pin
location. FIG. 21 is an example of a green in which the golfer can
set a custom pin location. In a nonlimiting example, the golfer
would move the device cursor to the location at which the golfer
wants to set the pin location and press one of the buttons on the
device to "set" the location. As the user moves the curser, the
number displayed on the screen to the front, middle, back, and/or
side(s) can also move accordingly. Once the location of the pin is
set for that hole, the device toggles forward to the next hole
green, where the process is repeated until the pin location is set
for each green for which a selection is desired. After the golfer
has selected each pin location, the device will prompt the golfer
to declare if he is finished setting pin locations, as shown in
FIG. 22.
[0074] Once the pin setting process is finished, whether pin
locations have been provided through the central information
processing site and database or custom locations made by the
golfer, the location aware device asks the golfer which hole he
wants to start on, as shown in FIG. 23. Once the starting hole
selection is made, the device displays that hole with the set pin
locations. For instance, if the golfer starts on hole 1, as
selected in FIG. 23, and stands on the hole 1 tee, the device might
then display the entire hole representation, as shown in FIG. 24.
The pin location depicted on the hole representation would be the
selected pin location, and distances would be measured from the
location aware device to the pin location. If desired, the golfer
can toggle to a green only view, such as shown in FIG. 25, in which
case the pin location is depicted by the circle icon on the green
and distances can be given from the golfer, for example holding the
location aware device, to the front of the green, the selected pin
location and the back of the green. In an example when zone or grid
mode is selected, the pin location would be depicted as being
within the zone or grid selected, generally at the center of the
zone or grid. Play then proceeds in like manner from hole to
hole.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 26, once the golfer is ready to play, a
Play Now button is displayed allowing the user to select and then
proceed with use of the location aware device during the round of
golf. Further, as shown in FIG. 27, the user has an option to view
the scoring for the round of golf as well as the option for the Pin
Location setting to be on or off.
[0076] One or more embodiments discussed above describe a system
and method in which the golf course superintendent or other worker
enters the pin location information. In one or more further
examples, the pin location information can be entered by others,
including the golfer, using the same or similar methods. In a
nonlimiting example, the golfer could either be given access to the
same or similar computer program as a course superintendent or the
information could be entered directly into his location aware
device, using the course map made available to the golfer through
download over the internet, using a wireless connection or other
communication portal. The program could be modified to accommodate
the location aware device capabilities, but the underlying
principles would be the same as is the case for superintendent
entered information.
[0077] FIG. 11 is an example of a computer screen display in which
the information for the zone mode, for example, is used and is
provided by the golfer in which the golfer either supplies a zone
pin sheet to the course map supplier to enter the data in the
central information processing site and database or the golfer
enters the information himself or herself through an internet
connected computer.
[0078] FIGS. 11-14 depict an example where the member enters the
data for Bay Pointe Resort and Golf Course. In FIG. 11 of the
present example, the user could click on the "I want to enter the
zones myself" link. After clicking the link, the member is shown
the screen depicted in FIG. 12. At this time, the member can select
the course to be played and number of zones, and then clicks
"continue." In this example, 3 zones are selected but as discussed
above, it should be appreciated that any number of zones can be
selected. The golfer is then directed to the screen depicted in
FIG. 13, and in the manner described above with respect to other
embodiments, drags and drops the zone numbers 1-3 to the
appropriate location on the green screen display. FIG. 14 depicts a
hypothetical zone location for hole 1 at Bay Point, after the
numbers are dragged and dropped into place. Once all zones are thus
selected, this information is uploaded for use and in the manner as
described previously with respect to other embodiments of the
invention.
[0079] In the embodiment discussed with respect to FIGS. 11-14, the
member employs the zone mode on a computer program resident on a
computer with an interne, wireless or other access. It should be
appreciated that this method and process can performed on the
location aware device and/or using the zone, grid, pin or other
modes and any means of communicating with the server containing the
course map.
[0080] While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been
described in conjunction with the embodiments outlined above, it is
evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will
be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, exemplary
embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to
be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *