U.S. patent number 3,729,315 [Application Number 05/077,300] was granted by the patent office on 1973-04-24 for method of making scenes for a golf game.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Brunswick Corporation. Invention is credited to Robert I. Anderson, Robert M. Conklin, Michael G. Gautraud, William H. Shimanski.
United States Patent |
3,729,315 |
Conklin , et al. |
April 24, 1973 |
METHOD OF MAKING SCENES FOR A GOLF GAME
Abstract
A method of providing scenes for use in indoor golf games having
a tee, a screen in front of the tee, a means for projecting on the
screen any one of a plurality of scenes taken from different
locations on a golf hole, data acquisition means and a computer
associated therewith for computing the trajectory of a ball hit
from the tee and a ball spot projecting means responsive to the
computer for projecting a spot of light on the screen and on the
scenes displayed thereon to illustrate the trajectory of the ball,
which method permits the use of scenes from actual golf holes taken
by photographic methods and eliminates inaccuracies in the ball
spot projection that would normally be present due to the uneven
nature of the terrain normally found on actual golf holes.
Inventors: |
Conklin; Robert M. (Muskegon,
MI), Anderson; Robert I. (Spring Lake, MI), Gautraud;
Michael G. (Muskegon, MI), Shimanski; William H. (Norton
Shores, MI) |
Assignee: |
Brunswick Corporation (Skokie,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
22137270 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/077,300 |
Filed: |
October 1, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
353/121; 473/156;
353/11; 473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03C
5/06 (20130101); G09B 9/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09B
9/00 (20060101); G03C 5/04 (20060101); G03C
5/06 (20060101); G03c 005/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;96/41,46,27R
;353/11,30,121 ;273/176L,185A,185B |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Klein; David
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of providing a perspective scene of a golf hole for use
in an indoor golf game having a ball flight computer programmed to
base computation on a hypothetical playing surface of a
predetermined geometrical configuration and comprising the steps
of:
a. taking a photograph of at least a portion of a hole on an actual
golf course;
b. determining the location of at least one landmark on said
portion of the golf hole on said predetermined geometrical
configuration as representing a hypothetical, desired playing
surface; and
c. relocating the landmark in the photograph to be coextensive
therein with the location of the landmark on the hypothetical
playing surface as the latter would appear in the photograph by
photographic retouching.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) is performed with a map
of the portion of the golf hole depicting the hole in said
predetermined and geometrical configuration and step (c) is
performed with the use of a graph showing both azimuth and range
parameters of an indicator operated by the computer employed in the
indoor golf game.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the predetermined
geometrical configuration is a plane and a photograph is taken with
a camera having its optical axis parallel to the hypothetical,
desired playing surface.
4. A method according to claim 1 especially adapted for use with an
indoor golf game further including a map of each hole on which an
indicator operated by the computer indicates the point of
termination of each shot, said method further including forming a
map of the golf hole using said predetermined geometric
configuration as the base of the map so that the location of the
landmark on the map appears at the location on said predetermined
geometrical configuration as viewed from the point at which step
(a) is performed.
5. A method of providing at least one of a perspective scene and a
map of a golf hole for use in an indoor golf game employing a
computing and indicating system which bases ball flight computation
on an assumed, hypothetical playing surface of a predetermined
geometrical configuration and which indicates the computed point of
termination of a shot on at least the perspective scene of the hole
being played, said method comprising the steps of:
a. taking a photograph of at least a portion of a hole on an actual
golf course;
b. determining the location of at least one landmark appearing in
the photograph on the hypothetical playing surface by projecting
the same thereto with respect to a predetermined point; and
c. altering at least one of the perspective scene and the map to
illustrate the landmark in its projected position on the
hypothetical playing surface.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the scene is altered.
7. A method according to claim 5 wherein the map is altered.
8. A method according to claim 5 wherein both the scene and the map
are altered.
9. A method according to claim 5 wherein the portion of the golf
hole photographed includes a green and at least one trap adjacent
thereto, and said photograph is taken with its optical axis
parallel to a plane comprising the average plane between two
planes, one approximately encompassing the plane of the periphery
of the green and the other approximately encompassing the periphery
of the trap.
10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the scene is altered.
11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the map is altered.
12. A method according to claim 9 wherein both the scene and the
map are altered.
13. A method of providing a map of a golf hole for use in an indoor
golf game employing a computing and indicating system which bases
ball flight computation on an assumed, hypothetical playing surface
of a predetermined geometrical configuration and which indicates
the computed point of termination of a shot on both a prespective
scene of the hole being played and a map of the hole being played,
the method comprising the steps of:
a. taking a photograph of at least a portion of a hole on an actual
golf course;
b. determining the location of at least one landmark appearing in
the photograph on the hypothetical playing surface by projecting
the same thereto with respect to the point at which the photograph
is taken; and
c. altering the map by locating the landmark at its projected
position on the hypothetical playing surface.
14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the hypothetical playing
surface is defined by a plane selected, as nearly as possible, to
coincide with the actual playing surface of the hole.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In order to eliminate the overcrowding of natural courses and to
reduce the seasonal nature of the game of golf in many parts of the
United States, it has been suggested that indoor golf games be
provided to increase the number of golfing facilities available to
golfers in a way that requires very little space.
A few indoor establishments have been operated on a commercial
scale. One commercialized form of an indoor golf game provides a
tee area from which the golfer may hit a golf ball towards the
screen which has projected thereon a scene representing a portion
of a hole on a golf course. As the golfer advances the ball toward
the cup, the scene is changed to reflect the position of the golfer
with respect to the cup and provide him with the view of the hole
as it would be seen from the point where his shot would have come
to rest so that he may play his next shot having an appropriate
scene before him.
Computation means are used in conjunction with means for acquiring
data relative to the initial trajectory of the ball hit from the
tee area to compute the distance the shot would have traveled in
order that the next scene may be selected. Additionally, the
computed distance the shot would have traveled is displayed to the
golfer.
Such systems have a significant drawback in that the nature of the
flight of the ball throughout its entire flight is not displayed to
the golfer except in terms of the final length of the shot and as a
result, such games lack realism in that on an outdoor golf course,
the golfer may visually follow virtually the entire flight of the
ball.
It has therefore been proposed to eliminate the above noted lack of
realism by providing a ball spot projector responsive to a computer
which moves a spot of light on the projected scene in a manner to
simulate the flight of the ball. While such systems have generally
enhanced the realism provided by indoor golf games, uneven terrain
illustrated in the scene, particularly with respect to hazards such
as streams and traps, may result in a display that is so inaccurate
as to be of virtually little help. As a result, if a ball spot
projector is used indiscriminately in an indoor golf game, the
inaccurate showing provided thereby may be such as to significantly
irritate the golfer playing the game to the extent that he will not
return so that any degree of extra realism provided by its presence
is not sufficient to economically justify the additional equipment
required for it.
Furthermore, if the ball spot projector is used in an indoor golf
game system including map spot projection wherein there is provided
a map of each hole on the course and the point of termination of
each shot is indicated on the map, disagreement between the ball
spot projector's indicated point termination on a projected scene
and a map spot projector's indication of the point of termination
on a map will often cause a severely hostile reaction on the part
of a golfer.
One way of overcoming an an inaccurate showing by a ball spot
projector is to assume that the course being played is flat and the
same is described in detail in the copending application of
Conklin, Ser. No. 685,176, filed Nov. 22, 1967, entitled "Golf
Game" and assigned to the same assignee as the instant application.
Of course, when the assumption is made that the course is generally
flat, the scenes chosen must be such as to depict a substantially
flat course and only slight changes in the terrain above or below
the reference plane may result in the inaccuracies mentioned
previously. And because very few, if any, courses have perfectly
flat holes wherein even the landmarks such as traps lie in a single
plane, it was necessary to find another manner of providing the
scenes depicting the view of a flat course. In the Conklin
application, a model flat course was built on a reduced scale
utilizing conventional modeling techniques and the resulting model
was then photographed to provide the scenes.
While the resultant scenes are quite satisfactory and the average
golfer cannot discern that the same were not taken on an actual
course, the same do not appear as "crisp" in detail as would scenes
taken on an actual course. Similarly, because the scenes represent
a model of a course, the colors of the scenes are not completely
natural. Furthermore, certain details readily observable on a
natural course are not generally missed by an observer of a scene
made from a scale model, but nonetheless influential on the factor
of realism, are omitted when the modeling technique is used. For
example, there may be missing depictions of ball washers adjacent
tee areas, tee markers, mower patterns and golf cart tracks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention seeks to provide scenes for use in indoor
golf games which have all the attributes of those previously used
which depict a flat course yet are taken on a natural course so
that detail of each scene is "crisp" and the color thereof is vivid
and natural; and further include depictions of other minor elements
customarily observed on a natural golf course to enhance
realism.
In one embodiment of the invention, the foregoing is accomplished
by determining a reference plane which need not be horizontal and
which generally will pass through the location of the cup on the
green; then, from the point on the course from which the scene is
to be taken, which will generally be a few feet above the reference
plane, projecting the boundaries of the landmark on the reference
plane at a direction transverse thereto; taking a photograph of the
hole from that point with the optical axis of the camera parallel
to the reference plane and generally passing through a line drawn
upwardly from the cup and perpendicular to the reference plane; and
then retouching the photographs thus made by deleting the landmark
at its actual location and reinstating it on the photograph where
it would appear thereon if it were located at the point of
projection on the reference plane.
In a second embodiment of the invention, a similar reference plane
is chosen; each scene is photographed from a viewpoint chosen in
the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph; and, from the
viewpoint for each zone, the landmarks are projected on the
reference plane. Then, rather than altering the photographs, a new
map of the golf hole is drawn utilizing the boundaries of the
landmark as they are projected on the reference plane to the
viewpoint and the map thus configured is then used in a golf game
along with means to indicate the point of termination of each shot
on the map. In this way, the indication of the point of termination
on the map will be consistent with the point of termination
indicated on the projected scene by the ball spot projector. This
method is particularly advantageous when used in conjunction with
those golf games that not only project the scene for the golfer,
but the map as well, in that the particular map projected can be
unique to each scene in small variations in the maps from scene to
scene for the particular golf hole will go unnoticed by the
golfer.
Neither embodiment of necessity requires that but a single
reference plane be used for each hole to be photographed. Rather,
each photograph could be taken with a reference plane unique to it.
Normally however, no more than two reference planes will be
employed on each hole, one for the fairway up to a point within
100-200 yards of the green and another for the portion of the hole
near the green within the 100-200 yard range mentioned previously.
Furthermore, if that portion of the fairway remote from the green
is relatively level and/or is relatively free from landmarks such
as sand traps, a reference plane may not be necessary. However,
according to the invention, it is almost always desirable to select
a reference plane for photographs of that portion of the hole
within 100-200 yards of the green.
Also, when two or more reference planes are employed on one hole,
they need not be parallel.
When the golf game includes a map of the hole as well as the
scenes, quite frequently both of the foregoing methods may be
advantageously employed together with the retouching of the
photographs minimizing map changing requirements and map changing
minimizing the amount of retouching required .
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating in schematic form an
indoor golf game in which the instant invention may be used;
FIG. 2 is a graph which may be used in practicing the first
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic, side elevation of a golf course illustrating
one step in the first embodiment of the invention when the landmark
is below the reference plane;
FIG. 4 is a schematic, side elevation of a golf course illustrating
one step in the first embodiment of the invention when the landmark
is above the reference plane;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the golf hole illustrating the actual
location of the landmark as well as the projected location of the
landmark on the reference plane as determined by the step
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4;
FIG. 6 illustrates one way in which the natural scene would appear
without alteration according to the first embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates another view of how a scene would appear without
alteration according to the first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates how the scene would appear after alteration
according to the first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a portion of a golf hole illustrating
the performance of a step in the method according to the second
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a golf hole illustrating the results of
the performance of the steps illustrated in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a side elevation of a portion of a golf hole
illustrating a modification of either the first or second
embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevation of a portion of the golf hole
shown in FIG. 11 and illustrates how the modification would effect
the scene.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
General
An example of a typical indoor golf game installation with which
scenes and/or maps made according to the invention are intended to
be used is illustrated in FIG. 1 and is seen to comprise a tee
area, generally designated 10, having a tee point 12 at which a
golf ball may be placed to be hit by the golfer. In front of the
tee area 10 is a screen, generally designated 14, which has a
scene, generally designated 15 and a map of the golf hole,
generally designated 16, projected thereon by a scene and map
projector, generally designated 17. A ball spot and map spot
projector, generally designated 18 is also provided to project a
spot of light 20 on the scene 15 or on the map on the screen 14 in
a manner that simulates the flight of a golf ball or depicts the
point of termination of the shot on the map, respectively.
Data acquisition equipment, generally designated 22, may be located
between the tee point 12 and the screen 14 or behind the screen 14,
or both, for measuring parameters of the trajectory of a ball hit
from the tee point 12. The trajectory information thus acquired is
then fed to a computing apparatus 24 which continuously computes
the trajectory of the ball hit from the tee point 12 throughout the
flight thereof based on the parameters and provides an output to
the ball spot and map spot projector 18 so that the spot of light
20 will be moved accordingly to illustrate the flight of a ball.
When the flight is terminated, the ball spot will be stationary for
a predetermined period and then will be shifted to the left as
viewed in FIG. 1 to indicate the point of termination of a shot on
the map 16.
In order to insure accurate alignment of the projected scene on the
screen 14 so that the final resting point of the spot 20 either on
the scene 15 or the map 16 is indicative of the true point of
termination of a shot, the projector 17 includes a means for
accurately aligning the projected scene 15 and the map 16 on the
screen and may be of the type disclosed in the copending U.S.
application of Pratt et al., Ser. No. 574,218 now U.S. Pat. No.
3,528,733,, filed Aug. 22, 1966, entitled "Visual Display System"
and assigned to the same assignee as the instant application.
Furthermore, in order to insure that the final resting place of the
spot 20 on the scene 15 is related to the distance the ball would
have travelled, a means for controlling the final position of the
projected spot 20 with respect to the vertical in proportion to the
computed distance the shot would have travelled should be provided.
Suitable means for this purpose are disclosed in the copending U.S.
application of Russell and Baldwin, Ser. No. 588,922 now U.S. Pat.
No. 3,513,707,, filed Oct. 24, 1966, entitled "Golf Game Computing
System" and assigned to the same assignee as the instant
application. Finally, in order to provide for the shifting of the
projected spot 20 by the ball spot and map spot projector 18 from
the scene 15 to the map 16, the Russell and Baldwin computing
system should be modified as disclosed in the copending U.S.
application of Russell and Feeney, Ser. No. 855,150, now U.S. Pat.
No. 3,589,732, filed Sept. 4, 1969, entitled "Map Spot Projection
System for a Golf Game" and assigned to the same assignee as the
instant application. At this point, it should be noted that the
last-named system need not be incorporated if it is desired to
utilize the map system disclosed in the Russell and Baldwin
computing application. However, particularly when the second
embodiment of the method to be disclosed herein, the alteration of
the map to suit the scene, is employed, it is highly advantageous
to use the Russell and Feeney system.
Of course, in order to insure proper correlation between the
projected scene on the screen 14 and the spot 20 projected by the
ball spot projector 18, it is necessary that certain relations seem
to exist. Such relationships are of the nature of physical location
of the elements with respect to each other rather than of
electrical or mechanical interconnections and are disclosed in the
above-identified Pratt et al. and Russell and Baldwin applications.
For the purpose of the instant application, it is sufficient to say
that the accurate aligning means of the Pratt et al. application
insure that each scene will occupy the same area on the screen
while the ball spot and map spot projector 18 used with the means
for controlling the final position of the projected spot 20
disclosed by Russell and Baldwin is physically arranged with
respect to the screen 14, and thus to the projected scene, so that
the final position of the projected spot 20 will always be at the
same location on the screen 14 for identical shots. That is, a 200
yard shot hit 10 yards to the right of a line extending between the
tee point 12 and the base of the flag illustrated in any scene
projected on the screen 14 will always result in the projected spot
20 being at a particular location on the screen 14. Thus, through
the use of the above-identified means in Pratt et al. and Russell
and Baldwin identical shots will always be indicated in an
identical manner on the same scene.
When the above-mentioned means disclosed in the above-cited Pratt
et al. and Russell and Baldwin applications are used, the realism
of the simulated ball flight protrayed by the projected spot 20 is
considerably enhanced over that achieved in prior art ball spot
projecting systems. When scenes are provided according to the
manner described in the above-cited Conklin application, the
realism of the simulated ball flight is even further enhanced
although the projected scene may lack some "crispness" and be
somewhat bland in color.
As mentioned in the Conklin application, even if the
above-mentioned means of Pratt et al. and Russell and Baldwin are
utilized, inaccuracies in the final location of the projected spot
20 may exist if the scene projected on the screen 14 is not
appropriately chosen. The reason for this will become apparent from
the brief discussion of the content of the above-cited Russell and
Baldwin application. The Russell and Baldwin computing device
computes continuously throughout the flight of the ball, three
coordinates of the ball in space. The first coordinate is the
so-called "X" coordinate which is the distance to the right or left
of a straight line extending from the tee point 12 to the
representation of the cup on the green on the hole of a golf
course. The second coordinate is the so-called "Y" coordinate which
is the distance of the ball above or below a horizontal plane. The
third and final coordinate is the so-called "Z" coordinate which is
the distance from the tee point along the straight line mentioned
in conjunction with the description of the X coordinate.
In order to indicate the final location of the ball by movement of
the projected spot 20, the Russell and Baldwin computer provides
information as to the X, Y and Z coordinates, when the ball has
come to rest. For a plurality of differing shots made from the same
tee point, it would be apparent that the coordinates at the point
of termination for each shot would differ from the coordinates of
the point of termination of each other shot if the terrain on the
golf course was uneven. That is, a ball at rest in a valley on a
golf course would have a different Y coordinate than a ball coming
to rest on a hill; a ball directed to the right would have a
different X coordinate than a ball directed to the left; and a
"dubbed" shot would have a different Z coordinate than a "super"
shot.
Of the three coordinates, only the final Y coordinate is completely
dependent upon the terrain of the golf course, the final X
coordinate being principally dependent on the initial direction and
velocity of the shot and side spin, if any, and the final Z
coordinate being principally dependent upon the initial angle of
elevation, the initial direction, and the initial velocity of the
shot.
The final Y coordinate is dependent upon the terrain of the course
because the ball will always come to rest on the ground and the
terrain of the course would normally vary for each combination of X
and Z coordinates. Thus, in order to compute the final Y
coordinate, it would be necessary to provide a vast memory system
containing information as to the Y coordinate of ground level for
each combination of varying X and Z coordinates. One will
immediately recognize that the provision of such a memory in an
operable system would be an extremely complex undertaking fraught
with many problems. Furthermore, even if such a memory system could
be used in conjunction with the computing system, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the provision of the same would so
greatly increase the cost of components of the golf game that the
same could not be manufactured on a commercial basis sufficiently
economically so that golfers could play the game at a reasonable
price.
In order to obviate the need for such huge memory facilities, the
Russell and Baldwin computation system assumes that the terrain on
the course has the same Y coordinate for all combinations of all X
and Z coordinates. In other words, the Russell and Baldwin
computation system assumes that the playing surface of the course
is flat. As a result of such an assumption, the computation system
is significantly simplified. Specifically, instead of providing a
vast number of bits of information relative to the Y coordinate of
the terrain of the golf course at each of a plurality of X and Z
coordinates for each of 18 holes, it is only necessary to provide a
single bit of information which absolutely identifies the Y
coordinate for each and every combination of final X and Z
coordinates for each of 18 holes.
In the preferred embodiment disclosed in the Russell and Baldwin
application, and as mentioned above, the final position of the
projected spot 20 with respect to the vertical on the screen 14 is
varied according to the computed distance that the shot would have
travelled. And since the computation system considers that the
course is flat at all points thereon, for all shots having the same
final Z coordinate, the projected spot 20 will be at the same
height on the screen 14, irrespective of the X coordinate.
If, however, the terrain of the projected scene on which the spot
is moved is non-uniform, the final position of the projected spot
may give the golfer the illusion that he either hit the ball
further than he actually did or that he did not hit the ball as far
as he actually did. This illusion is particularly true when
non-uniformities in a golf hole such as landmarks and/or hazards
are in the projected scene.
More specifically, it will be appreciated that the height of those
continuous portions of a golf course hole which are uninterrupted
by landmarks such as water hazards, traps and trees, is not as
apparent in the scene because of the continuous nature of the
surface being viewed. However, when there is an interruption,
normally in the form of a landmark, then the viewer of the scene
may more readily identify the height of the continuous portion of
the golf course hole using the landmark as a reference point.
Because the scene viewed by the golfer is only in two dimensions in
the indoor golf game, advantage may be taken of the relative
inability of the golfer to ascertain the relative height of the
playing surface at points somewhat distant from a landmark.
However, because the presence of such landmarks cures the inability
of the golfer to perceive the height of the playing surface,
according to the first embodiment of the invention, the location of
the landmark is appropriately changed on the scene by
photo-retouching methods of a conventional nature. That is, since
the uninterrupted continuous portion of a golf hole will appear to
be relatively planar when illustrated in two dimensions, by
photo-retouching methods certain landmarks that do not appear to be
in the relatively planar appearing continuous, uninterrupted
playing surface are deleted from the scene and relocated therein so
that the same appear to be in the same apparent plane as the
playing surface. The manner in which the same is accomplished will
now be described in detail.
FIG. 2 illustrates a graph which may be generated by the golf game
computer and which may be used in retouching scenes according to
one embodiment of the invention or in drawing maps in the other
embodiment. The graph is bounded by a rectangle 26 which has its
sides proportional to the sides of the scene to be projected on the
screen and when used in the retouching process, will be of the same
size as the photo negative or positive to be retouched.
When a computational system such as that disclosed in the Russell
and Baldwin application is to be employed in the golf game, the
rectangle 26 is divided into four equal quadrants by a vertical
line 28 and a horizontal line 30. And, in general, photographs will
be taken so that the horizon in each scene will lie along the
horizontal line 30 while the flag stick (or, in the case of a hole
where the flag stick is not visible, the center of the fairway)
will lie along the vertical line 28. That is, the camera is
accented so that this arrangement will permit equal indication on
the scenes of shots directed both to the right and the left and
will further permit a full display of the position of the ball in
flight.
A number of horizontal yard lines 32-38 are also placed on the
graph to indicate the final position of a projected spot with
respect to the vertical on a projected scene for shots hit varying
distances. For example, a shot having a final Z coordinate of 300
yards would lie in some position along the line 32, the precise
point being determined by the X coordinate. Similarly, shots having
a final Z coordinate of 200 yards, 100 yards and 50 yards would be
indicated as lying along the lines 34-38 respectively.
Diagonal lines 40-48 represent the focus of points of indication of
shots having various final X coordinates. For example, a shot
having a final X coordinate would lie somewhere along the line 42,
its precise position on that line being determined by the final Z
coordinate.
The lines 32-48 may be generated by the golf game computing ball
spot projecting system in a relatively simple manner. For example,
the line 40 may be generated by pinning a voltage representative of
the X coordinate at a level corresponding to a 10 yard displacement
to the right and the Z coordinate voltage changed through the range
of zero volts to a voltage representing the maximum Z yardage
possibly attainable in the game. By the same token, one of the yard
lines is the line 38 to be generated by maintaining the Z voltage
output at a consistent voltage representing 50 yards while varying
the X coordinate representing voltage through its permissible
range.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the graph provides
a scale for a perspective scene which enables the determination of
whether a trap, for example, at a Z coordinate of 200 yards and an
X coordinate of 20 yards on the actual golf course being
photographed will in fact appear at that location on the scene when
employed in conjunction with the ball spot projector. If not, the
scene may be retouched by deleting the trap from its actual
position and reinstating at the position it would appear if the
terrain were uniform. Alternatively, the apparent position of the
trap on the scene may be noted and, when drawing up a map for use
in the game, located on the map in its apparent position as viewed
in perspective as opposed to its actual position if viewed in a
plane.
FIGS. 3-7 illustrate the type of error normally found in
unretouched photographs which the graph illustrated in FIG. 2 may
be used to correct to provide scenes for indoor golf games. FIG. 3,
for example, includes a reference plane 50 chosen to intersect the
base of a flagstick 52 marking cup location. Oppositively of the
flagstick 52 is a viewpoint 54 which represents the location of a
viewer's eye. Interposed between the viewpoint 54 and the flagstick
52 and below the reference plane 50, is a trap, generally
designated 56.
The apparent position of the trap 56 may be ascertained by
projecting the same on the reference plane 50 with respect to the
viewpoint 54. This is accomplished by extending lines from the
viewpoint 54 to the boundaries of the trap 56 and noting the points
of the intersection of such lines with the reference plane 50. As
viewed in FIG. 3, lines 58 and 60 have been drawn and respectively
intersect the reference plane 50 at points 62 and 64.
Turning to FIG. 5, the projected location of the trap 156 on the
reference plane 50 is seen in plan view and is generally designated
65. In FIG. 5, it will also be noted that there is provided a Z
scale 66 and an X scale 67 to indicate the location of the trap 56
and the projection 65 thereof on the reference plane 50.
More specifically, it will be seen that the actual location of the
trap 56 measured with respect to the viewpoint 54 is approximately
ten yards to the right thereof and about 70 yards straightaway
therefrom. In contrast, the projection 65 of the trap 56 is located
about 55 yards away from the viewpoint 54 and about 71/2 yards to
the right thereof.
The net result of the fact that the trap 56 does not actually lie
within the reference plane 50 on a perspective scene may be
observed from FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the apparent location of the trap
56 is designated 68. The position of the trap 56 were it actually
in the reference plane 50 is shown by dotted lines designated 68'
in FIG. 6.
The problem in indication if a perspective scene of the terrain
illustrated in FIG. 3 without correction were used will now be
explained. Let us assume that a golfer hits a shot 10 yards to the
right and 70 yards long. From the foregoing description of the
location of the trap 56, it will be appreciated that such a shot
will terminate in approximately the center thereof. Obviously then,
a ball spot projector should project a spot of light to the center
of the trap on the projected scene. But it will be recalled that
the Russell et al. computer which controls the ball spot projector
considers that all shots terminate in a single plane having a
single Y coordinate and for purposes of illustration, may be
assumed to be coincident with the reference plane 50. Thus, as
viewed in side elevation, the projected spot of light will be
approximately at a point 70 illustrated in FIG. 3. The point 70 is
also seen in FIG. 5 and if a map spot projection system is used
which is along the lines of that mentioned in the Russell et al.
application, the shot will be illustrated on the map as terminating
in the center of the trap 56. However, in perspective and with
reference to FIG. 6, the final location of the projected spot will
be at a point 72 which is behind the actual indication 68 of the
trap 56.
In a game utilizing both a ball spot projector and a map spot
projector, such inconsistent indications detract significantly from
the realism of the game.
A similar error will be apparent from a consideration of FIGS. 4, 5
and 7. In FIG. 4, there is again provided a reference plane 74
which extends to the base of a flagstick 76. Remote from the
flagstick 76 is a viewpoint 78 and intermediate the viewpoint 78
and the flagstick 76, and above the reference plane 74, is a trap,
generally designated 80. For convenience, the actual location of
the trap 80 in terms of X and Z coordinates is identical to that of
the trap 56. However, inasmuch as the trap 80 is above the
reference plane 74 while the trap 56 is below the reference 50, the
projection of the trap 80 will be behind the actual location of the
same rather than in front of the actual location as was the case
for the terrain depicted in FIG. 3.
Referring to FIG. 5, the actual location of the trap 80 is
generally designated 84 and is ascertained by the use of lines 86,
88 extending from the viewpoint 76 to the periphery of the trap 80
and intersecting the reference plane 74 at points 90 and 92 in the
same manner described above in conjunction with FIG. 3.
If it be assumed that a similar shot (70 yards out and 10 yards to
the right) was hit over the terrain illustrated in FIG. 4, the
Russell et al. computer would consider that the ball would come to
rest, as viewed in side elevation in FIG. 4, at a point 94 on the
reference plane 74. In plan view, the point 94 would be as
indicated within the trap 56, 80 in FIG. 5 while perspective view,
as viewed in FIG. 7, the point 94 would be located forwardly of the
actual indication 104 of the trap 80.
With reference to FIG. 8, if the location of either of the traps 56
and 80 in perspective was corrected according to the invention, the
same would be seen to be defined by a circularly shaped indication
108 and in such a case, the final position of the projected spot 72
or 94 would be located within the confines of the indication 108.
There is therefore provided a correct indication and one that is
consistent with an indication provided by a map spot projector or
the like.
The manner in which the practice of the invention according to a
number of different embodiments will now be described.
Selecting a Golf Hole to be Photographed
In selecting a golf hole to be photographed, there are a number of
criteria that, if applied, simplify the practice of the method of
making photographs to be described hereinafter. Specifically, it is
highly desirable to select a golf hole which does not have abrupt
changes in terrain. Some changes in terrain can be accommodated if
the same are no more than what could be characterized as resulting
in a gently rolling plane surface. For example, in practice, a hole
having a playing surface, all parts of which do not deviate from a
plane by more than 10 feet, has proved satisfactory. Of course,
holes having greater deviations could be used but the foregoing
criteria, if followed, minimizes the need for retouching fairway
scenes, particularly those taken from a distance of 100 yards or
more from the green.
It is also desirable that the hole selected have a green area
(including surrounding traps) wherein the average plane of the
green is three feet or less distance from the average plane
encompassing the peripheries of the traps. For most golf holes,
this will mean that the plane encompassing the periphery of a trap
be three feet or less below the plane of the green.
A further criteria involves the pitch of the green. Normally, the
rear edge of the green will be above the front edge of the green so
that the average plane encompassing the green surface will be
pitched toward the fairway. It has been found that a green so
pitched may be satisfactorily photographed when there is a 4 foot
or less difference in height for each 30 yards of green surface.
Thus, for a green 90 feet from front to back, if the back edge were
to be no more than 4 feet above the front edge, the practice of the
method is simplified.
Of course, the foregoing criteria are merely representative of
holes on which scenes have been satisfactorily made and it is to be
understood that holes having greater deviations could be employed
although increasingly complicating the performance of the
method.
Correcting the Photographed Scenes
After a suitable hole has been selected, a map is made of the same
and is arbitrarily divided into a number of zones in any desired
manner. Thereafter, similar zones are laid out on the actual hole
and a photograph of the hole from some desired point on the hole in
each zone is then taken.
In the course of taking photographs of the hole, it is generally
desirable to select a reference plane which passes through the cup
of the hole and, in the course of taking photographs, orient the
camera such that the optical axis thereof is parallel to the
reference plane and directed toward an upward projection of the
flagstick of the hole. The height of the camera above the reference
plane may be maintained constant with respect thereto for all zones
although, if the foregoing criteria are used in selecting the hole
for photographs taken from points on the hole 100 yards or more
away from the green, the height of the camera may be constant with
respect to the playing surface of the hole. When the constant
height relation is maintained with respect to the reference plane,
the distance between the camera and the playing surface will differ
depending upon the deviation of the playing surface at that point
from the reference plane.
Whether the height of the camera is maintained constant with
respect to the playing surface or to the reference plane depends,
in part, upon whether the foregoing criteria are followed in
selecting the hole. Another factor is the actual distance between
the camera location and the reference plane or playing surface. If
the distance is relatively small as, for example, 5 feet, and there
are no landmarks within 100 to 200 yards, one may generally
maintain the camera height constant with respect to the playing
surface. However, if the distance is relatively great as, for
example, 16 feet and there are sizable landmarks within 100 to 200
yards, it may be desirable to maintain camera height constant with
respect to the reference plane.
As a result of the foregoing, there will be provided a number of
photographs of the hole, one for each zone. Referring to the map of
the hole, the location of each hazard such as a sand trap or a
stream or the like with respect to a line extending between the
point in the zone from which the photograph was taken and the cup
of the hole is ascertained. Such a line corresponds to the Z axis
of the shot.
Using such information, and a graph such as that illustrated in
FIG. 2 along with the photograph, it can be determined whether the
depicted location of the trap in the perspective view photograph
corresponds to its correct location as ascertained from projecting
the boundaries of the trap to the reference plane in a direction
normal thereto to the map. If the two coincide, nothing further
need be done. On the other hand, if the two differ, then by
conventional photo-retouching techniques, the actual indication of
the trap on the photograph is removed and replaced by a fairway or
rough indication, etc., as appropriate. Then, the indication of the
trap or other hazard is added to the photograph, again by
conventional photo-retouching techniques, at the correct location
on the perspective scene.
Applying the foregoing, for example, to the illustration in FIG. 5
which may be considered to be a map of the projection of the
elements a golf hole on the reference plane in a direction normal
thereto and either of the scenes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be
seen that the map of FIG. 5 clearly indicates that the trap 56 or
80 should be centered about a location approximately ten yards to
the right of the Z axis and 70 yards out. In actuality, a number of
points about the periphery of the trap can be ascertained and using
a graph along the lines of that illustrated in FIG. 2 but with a
greater number of yard lines, the actual location of the periphery
of the trap may be easily ascertained at a number of points and
graphed. Thereafter, the graph need only be applied to the
photograph to ascertain whether the actual indication of the
location of the trap or hazard is correctly illustrated. With
reference to FIG. 6 for example, it will be seen that a front edge
of the trap indication 68 is approximately at the 50 yard line
whereas in actuality, the front edge of the trap 58 should be just
slightly ahead of the 70 yard line to agree with the map. Thus, it
is clear that the indication of the trap 68 should be removed and a
corrected indication utilized.
With respect to FIG. 7, it will be seen that the rear edge of the
trap indication 104 is about at the 100 yard line whereas FIG. 5
indicates that the same should be at approximately the 75 yard
line. So again, the indication 104 in FIG. 7 should be removed.
Then, using the information obtainable from the map, a new correct
indication may be inserted using the graph, as at 108 in FIG. 8
which would correctly depict the location of either the trap 56 or
80 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to obtain the correct display.
As mentioned previously, this procedure is repeated for each scene
with respect to what would be the Z axis for a shot taken from that
particular zone. That is, as the measurement is made with respect
to a line extending from the point in the zone from which the
photograph is taken, to the cup and, of course, the position of
such a line could very well be different for each zone on a
particular hole.
Correcting a Map
As mentioned previously, there are two possible sources of error in
indication when untouched photographs are used in conjunction with
a map spot projection system along the lines of that disclosed in
the above-identified Russell et al. application. They are improper
locationing of the projected ball spot on the projected scene due
to changes in the terrain depicted in the scene and inconsistent
indications as between the ball spot indication on the scene and
the map spot indication on a map. The already described method is
useful for eliminating both problems but may not be entirely
necessary in those instances where an error of the first type is
sufficiently small. In such a case, actual scenes that are
uncorrected may be utilized with an appropriate correction made on
the map of the golf hole used in conjunction with the map spot
projection system.
A typical golf hole having uneven terrain is illustrated in FIG. 9
and is seen to include a terrain line, generally designated 120
which illustrates the uneven nature of the terrain of the hole with
respect to a reference plane 122. It is to be noted that the
reference plane 122 may be arbitrarily selected but generally is
chosen so as to pass through the base of a flagstick 124 so that
the cup of the hole will always lie in the reference plane.
A scene of the hole may be taken from a camera viewpoint 126 along
the lines of those described in conjunction with the previous
embodiment and in general, a camera located at the viewpoint 126
will be oriented in the same manner described previously.
The hole includes a trap, generally designated 128 which is located
below the reference plane 122. Additionally, the green on the hole
is slanted toward the view point and as seen in FIG. 9 comprises
that portion of the terrain line 120 located between the points 130
and 132. As illustrated, a portion of the green is above the
terrain line 120 while another portion is below the same with but a
line segment of the green actually in the reference plane 122.
Various lines as illustrated in FIG. 9 may be drawn between the
periphery of the green 129 and the trap 128 so as to project the
location of both on the reference plane 122. As viewed in FIG. 9,
the location of the trap 128 on the reference plane extends between
points 140 and 142 while the location of the green 129 on the
reference plane 122 extends between points 144 and 146.
It will be recalled from the foregoing general description of the
mode of operation of the Russell computer that for any given
distance, the projected spot is located on the screen with respect
to a planar playing surface which may be considered for purposes of
this example to be coextensive with the reference plane 122. Thus,
with reference to FIG. 9, it will be seen that any shot hit
essentially straightaway from the tee which may be assumed to be
that point directly below the viewpoint 126, a distance of between
80 and 126 yards will be projected to a location on the reference
plane 122 within the bounds of the points 144 and 146. That is,
such a shot will appear to have landed on the green 129.
Therefore, steps must be taken to eliminate any consistency between
the ball spot indication and a map spot indication inasmuch as a
normal map of the hole used in conjunction with the map spot
projector would depict a point of termination short of the green
129 for all shots up to 90 yards in length and would indicate a
point of termination beyond the green for all shots in excess of
110 yards in length. Accordingly, it is necessary to alter the map
and the same has been done as illustrated in FIG. 10. Specifically,
the actual locations of the green 129 and the trap 128 are shown in
solid lines but in preparing a map, the dotted line indications for
the green 148 and the dotted line indication for the trap 150 would
be used. The two dotted line indications 148 and 150 are arrived at
by projecting from the viewpoint 26, the peripheries of the trap
128 and green 129, respectively, on the reference plane 122 and
then using such points of projection to define the peripheries for
purposes of preparing a map. As illustrated in FIG. 10, two points
140 and 142 on the projection of the periphery of the trap 128 are
illustrated as well as two points, 144 and 146 of the projection of
the periphery of the green 129 are shown. By taking other sections,
other points can be ascertained and the map redrawn to suit the
prospective view provided by the unretouched photograph.
While this approach is generally satisfactory in those instances
where there is not a great deal of deviation from a planar playing
surface, undue deviation in such items as traps and greens can
result in significant and unnatural elongation of the particular
element involved particularly when the same straddles the reference
plane as is the case with the green 129 illustrated in FIG. 9. As
viewed in FIG. 10, the resulting map illustrating the green as at
148 would have a relatively elongated green and were the same to be
elongated much beyond that illustrated in FIG. 10, the same would
be so completely unnatural as to be substantially unusable.
Thus, the second method according to the invention can be used with
success if some discretion is chosen in selecting the holes to be
photographed. Furthermore, the method illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10
may be used in conjunction with that as described in FIGS. 2-8,
inclusive. That is, in some cases where it is not totally practical
to completely move the indicated location of a hazard or a landmark
by photo-retouching, the same may be partly removed as permissible
and then the map altered to finally true up the indicated location
and the actual location according to the second embodiment
described. One such case would be where a trap in front of the
green is elevated with respect to a reference plane passing through
the cup. While not shown therein, an understanding of FIG. 4 will
lead to the conclusion that a trap elevated above a reference plane
coinciding with a green and located just in front of the green
would have its projection on the reference plane encompassing part
or all of the green. Obviously, in such a case, the trap could not
be deleted in the photograph and reinstated on the green.
In many cases, the second embodiment of the invention may be
preferable to the first. This is particularly true where the indoor
golf game includes a map spot projecting system such as that
disclosed in the above-identified application of Russell and Feeney
wherein the map is projected on the screen. For the reasons set
forth in the Russell and Feeney application, each map projected on
the screen will be unique to the particular scene associated
therewith and as a result, some deviation from one projected map to
another, even though for the same hole, may be accommodated without
the golfer's knowledge due to the fact that only one map is
projected on the screen at any given time. Thus, for a zone to the
left of the green, one map maybe projected with the associated
scene while, from another zone to the right of the green, a totally
different but somewhat similar map may be projected for the scene
from that zone. And the fact that the projected maps are changed
with each scene will effectively preclude a golfer from noting that
the maps are different unless the differences are drastic, in which
case, the differences can be reduced to an acceptable level with
the remainder of the required change being accomplished through
photo-retouching.
Of course, should a map spot projecting system of the type
disclosed in the Russell and Baldwin application be used, it would
only be practical to have but a single map for a hole. In such a
case, the maps for each zone may be compared and the map most
nearly fitting the scene depiction of all zones selected as the map
used in playing the game.
Changing the Reference Plane as the Green is Approached
In some cases, the altering of scenes according to the first
embodiment of the invention requires such drastic retouching that
the retouching is obvious when the scene is displayed. Similarly,
in some instances, when the second embodiment of the invention is
practiced, correction of the map results in unnatural elongation of
certain landmarks or elements of a golf hole such as the green.
When either of the foregoing problems occurs, either embodiment may
be modified by changing the reference plane as the landmark is
approached. Since the foregoing problems are more likely to be
encountered around the green of a golf hole, the following
discussion will utilize the green area in detailing the
modification of the methods. However, it is to be understood that
the problems involved may find applicability at non-green area
locations on a hole such as around fairway traps.
The modification may best be understood with reference to FIGS. 11
and 12. As mentioned previously, normally, the camera height will
be maintained constant either with respect to the first selected
reference plane or the playing surface of the course. Accordingly,
a line 160 in FIG. 11 represents the camera height level while a
line 162 represents the reference plane. The terrain line is
indicated at 164 and the area between points 166 and 168 thereon
defines a sand trap in front of a green defined by points 170 and
172 on the terrain line 164.
A line 174 depicts a plane encompassing the periphery of the green
while a line 176 depicts a plane encompassing the periphery of the
trap. A line 178 defines an average plane between the planes
represented by the lines 174 and 176.
Parallel to the average plane represented by line 178 is a line 180
representing a plane parallel to the average plane and which is
located above the average plane, according to one embodiment, a
distance of 16 feet. The line 180 intersects the line 160 at a
point 182 and, if the hole is chosen according to the criteria
mentioned previously, the point of intersection 182 will be a
distance of 100 or more yards from the green.
In practicing the modification according to the method, for all
points nearer to the tee than the point 182, the camera location is
on line 160 (assuming that the camera height is to be maintained
constant with respect to the reference plane and not to the playing
surface) photographs are taken from each zone according to either
of the foregoing methods. However, when photographs are to be taken
from locations closer to the green than the point 182, the camera
is then located on the line 180.
Since most golf greens are pitched towards the fairway (that is,
the rear edge of the green is higher than the front edge of the
green), and since most traps are similarly pitched, the location of
the camera for each shot on the line 180 will result in progressive
elevation of the camera above the green as the cup is
approached.
The effect of the foregoing may best be understood through a
consideration of FIG. 12 which again shows a terrain line 164 and a
trap defined by points 166 and 168 thereon. Similarly, the green is
defined by points 170 and 172 on the terrain line. Also shown is
the green plane 174, the trap plane 176 and the average plane 178
with the camera level line 180 being parallel to the latter.
FIG. 12 also shows two viewpoints, 184 and 186 on the camera line
180. Projection from the viewpoint 184, which is further from the
cup than the viewpoint 186, shows the apparent location of the trap
between points 188 and 190 represented by small circles on the
average plane 178. The location of the front edge of the green as
viewed from the viewpoint 184 is represented by a circle designated
192.
It will be observed that there is substantial overlap of the
apparent location of the trap on the average plane 178 and the
actual location of the trap on the terrain line so that the margin
for inconsistent indications is markedly reduced from that that
would be present if only the single reference plane mentioned
previously were to be used. The disparity may be observed by
comparing either FIGS. 3 or 4 with FIG. 12. Such a comparison will
clearly indicate the superiority of indication achieved through the
modification of either method.
Furthermore, the margin for inconsistent indications is further
decreased as one approaches the green according to the modification
of the methods when the location of the front edge of the green and
the trap is in perspective to the viewpoint 186, significantly more
overlap is obtained. The projections with respect to viewpoint 186
on the average plane 178 are designated by squares with the squares
194 and 196 illustrating the projection of the trap and the square
198 illustrating the projection of the front edge of the green.
Quite frequently, the small deviation from complete overlap can be
eliminated almost wholly by map alteration. However, some cases
arise wherein the deviations from complete overlap may be
eliminated by retouching alone, or for that matter, by both map
alteration and scene retouching.
The modification to either method has been described in conjunction
with a single trap located in front of the green for simplicity of
illustration. In practice, however, it is found most desirable to
utilize the same in conjunction with traps to the side of the green
or flanking the green.
SUMMARY
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the various
embodiments of the method coupled with the possible modifications
thereof provides a way by which perspective view scenes of a golf
hole and/or a map of a golf hole to be used in an indoor golf game
can be corrected to provide an accurate indication of the results
of a shot to a golfer playing an indoor game. In essence, the same
involves the adaptation of a scene and/or a map to a desired
hypothetical playing surface, herein the reference plane. Of
course, if the computation and indication system of the indoor game
were to consider that the playing surface was in a continuous
geometrical form other than a plane, the principles of the
invention would be equally applicable thereto. For example, if the
playing surface were to be considered to be in the form of a large
diameter cylinder, and a computer appropriately programmed for such
a playing surface, both embodiments of the method could be
practiced. In the case of the scene alteration, the graph used in
retouching would have a different form insofar as the azimuth lines
are concerned while the maps would be formed by projecting the
boundaries of the landmarks in a manner generally similar to that
mentioned above.
It will be appreciated that the scenes and/or maps resulting from
the performance of the various embodiments of the methods are quite
superior to those heretofore known insofar as they provide both
increased realism in the depiction of the hole through the use of
photographs of an actual hole as well as providing increased
accuracy and realism in indication, both factors heretofore
obtainable only singly.
* * * * *