U.S. patent number RE42,439 [Application Number 10/755,259] was granted by the patent office on 2011-06-07 for canopy modification using computer modelling.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ArborCom Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dan Fulton.
United States Patent |
RE42,439 |
Fulton |
June 7, 2011 |
Canopy modification using computer modelling
Abstract
A method and system for determining canopy coverage to a golf
green to assist in increasing sunlight exposure of the green. The
system allows users to enter data regarding the golf green,
surrounding foliage, and other topographical and man-made features
surrounding the green. The system can then plot the sun's path for
a specific date and simulate shadows cast on the green by the
surrounding foliage and features. Furthermore, the system allows
the user to generate what-if data, allowing projected effects on
canopy coverage to be viewed before any modifications to the canopy
are carried out.
Inventors: |
Fulton; Dan (Winnipeg,
CA) |
Assignee: |
ArborCom Technologies, Inc.
(Shelburne, Nova Scotia, CA)
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Family
ID: |
23247443 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/755,259 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
09320676 |
May 27, 1999 |
6338027 |
Jan 8, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/127; 702/151;
702/156; 702/155; 702/146; 702/150 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G
7/00 (20130101); G01W 1/12 (20130101); A63B
2102/32 (20151001); A63B 69/3691 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01J
1/20 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;702/4,5,127,146,150,151,155,156 ;235/88G ;33/1DD,268,228,121
;342/450,451,26 ;356/218,222,226,432 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Bob Christensen, "Where's the Sun! Sunlight Location Technology can
Make a Difference on Greens", Green Master Magzine, Jan. 1999.
cited by other .
Nancy Stairs, "Confict Resolution", Landscape Management, Aug.
1998. cited by other .
TurfNet Associates, Inc., "Eliminating the Guesswork of SHADE",
TurfNet Monthly, Jul. 1998. cited by other .
Robert A. Christensen, "Shedding New Light on an Age-Old Problem",
Tree Care Industry, vol. 9, No. 3, Mar. 1998. cited by other .
Robert A. Christensen, "The Ace in the Hole: Bringing Sanity to the
Greens", On Course, vol. 51, No. 9, Feb. 1998. cited by other .
David A. Oatis, "Using Technology to Solve an Old Problem:Trees",
USGA Green Section Record, vol. 35, No. 3, May/Jun. 1997. cited by
other .
Adrien Gallant, "Management by the Stars: Canadian Arborist Uses
Astronomy to Shed More Light on Golf Course Green", Golf Course
Management, Mar. 1997. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Tsai; Carol S
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Leffert Jay & Polglaze,
P.A.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A computer system.Iadd., .Iaddend.having data storage means and
a memory.Iadd., .Iaddend.for determining sunlight exposure of an
area, said system including: input means for receiving and storing
in the memory area data entries which define a size and shape of
the area and a first and at least one second predetermined
location.Iadd., .Iaddend. .[.input means.]. for receiving and
storing in the memory temporal data entries defining a time and
date range.Iadd., and .Iaddend. .[.input means.]. for receiving and
storing in the memory obstruction data entries defining a size and
relative position of at least one sunlight obstructing
object.Iadd.; .Iaddend. processing means for performing sun
calculations which determine multiple solar positions of the sun in
the sky based on the temporal data entries and the area data
entries.Iadd., .Iaddend. .[.processing means.]. for performing
shadow calculations for each solar position, said shadow
calculations determining a size, shape and position relative to the
area of a shadow cast by the or each sunlight obstructing
object.Iadd., and .Iaddend. .[.processing means.]. for determining
for each square unit of the area a sunlight exposure time based on
the shadow calculations.Iadd.; .Iaddend. output means for
generating shadow calculation results and portraying a
representation of the shadow calculation results.Iadd., and
.Iaddend. .[.output means.]. for generating sun calculation results
and portraying a representation of the sun calculation results.
2. A computer system as in claim 1 wherein the area data entries
include: an earth based latitude of the area, a magnetic
declination of the area area azimuth readings of multiple points on
a perimeter of the area, .Iadd.and .Iaddend. area distance readings
of each of the multiple points on the perimeter, wherein said area
distance readings are measured between each of the multiple points
on the perimeter and the first predetermined location.Iadd.,
.Iaddend.and said area azimuth readings are relative to magnetic
north and are determined from said first predetermined
location.
3. A computer system as in claim 2 wherein the first predetermined
location is within the area and the area data entries include a
longitude of the area.
4. A computer system as in claim 1 wherein the area data entries
include, for at least one second predetermined location, second
location azimuth readings relative to magnetic north and second
location distance readings, wherein second location azimuth
readings are determined from the first predetermined location and
the second location distance readings are measured between the at
least one second predetermined location and the first predetermined
location within the area.
5. A computer system as in claim 1 wherein the obstruction data
entries include: obstruction azimuth readings of the or each
sunlight obstructing object.Iadd., .Iaddend. obstruction distance
readings for the or each sunlight obstructing object.Iadd., and
.Iaddend. at least one elevation reading for the or each sunlight
obstructing object.Iadd., .Iaddend. wherein said obstruction
distance readings are measured between a location of the or each of
the sunlight obstructing object and a location chosen from the
group comprising the first predetermined location and the second
predetermined location.Iadd., and .Iaddend. said obstruction
azimuth readings are relative to magnetic north and are determined
from a location chosen from the group comprising the first
predetermined location and the at least one second predetermined
location.
6. A computer system as in claim 5 wherein the at least one
sunlight obstructing object is a tree and wherein the obstruction
data entries further include: a tree crown shape for the or each
tree.Iadd., .Iaddend. a crown upper elevation reading for the or
each crown of the or each tree.Iadd., .Iaddend. a crown lower
elevation reading for the or each crown of the or each tree.Iadd.,
.Iaddend. a left crown azimuth reading for the or each crown of the
or each tree.Iadd., and .Iaddend. a right crown azimuth reading for
the or each crown of the or each tree.Iadd., .Iaddend. wherein said
crown elevation readings are measured between a location of the or
each of the sunlight obstructing object and a location chosen from
the group comprising the first predetermined location and the at
least one second predetermined location.Iadd., and .Iaddend. said
crown azimuth readings are relative to magnetic north and are
determined from a location chosen from the group comprising the
first predetermined location and the at least one second
predetermined location.
7. A computer system as in claim 6 wherein the obstruction data
entries include at least one growth rate for the or each tree and
an aging time span.
8. A computer system as in claim 7 further including processing
means for increasing the crown azimuth readings and the crown
elevation readings for the or each tree based on the or each growth
rate and the aging time span.
9. A computer system as in claim 1 wherein the at least one
sunlight obstructing object is a block of trees and wherein the
obstruction data entries further include: tree block azimuth
readings of multiple points on a block perimeter of the block of
trees, tree block distance readings of each of the multiple points
on the block perimeter, an average crown upper elevation reading
for the block of trees.Iadd., and .Iaddend. an average crown lower
elevation reading for the block of trees.Iadd., .Iaddend. wherein
said tree block azimuth readings are relative to magnetic north and
are determined from a location chosen from the group comprising the
first predetermined location and the at least one second
predetermined location.Iadd., and .Iaddend. said tree block
distance readings are measured between each of the multiple points
on the block perimeter and a location chosen from the group
comprising the first predetermined location and the at least one
second predetermined location.
10. A method of modifying foliage on a golf course to provide more
sunlight to a golf green comprising: determining characteristics of
the green including size, shape, and location of the
green.Iadd.;.Iaddend. .Iadd.storing in storage of a computer the
determined characteristics of the green and the foliage;.Iaddend.
determining characteristics of the foliage including size, shape,
and location relative to the green.Iadd.;.Iaddend. performing a sun
simulation of a path of the sun across the sky during a
predetermined date and time range.Iadd.;.Iaddend. performing a
shadow simulation of shadows cast on the green by the foliage based
on the sun simulation and the characteristics of the foliage.Iadd.;
.Iaddend. performing a unit area calculation for each unit area of
the green, said unit area calculation determining an amount of
sunlight each unit receives based on the shadow simulation.Iadd.;
.Iaddend. determining at least one course of action to provide more
sunlight to the green based on the unit area calculation, the or
each course of action being chosen from a group comprising.[.:.].
pruning the foliage.Iadd., .Iaddend. removing the foliage.Iadd.,
and.Iaddend. relocating the foliage.Iadd.; .Iaddend. performing a
modified shadow simulation of the shadows cast on the green by the
foliage if the or each course of action were followed,.[...]. said
modified shadow simulation being based on the sun simulation and
projected characteristics of the foliage.Iadd.; .Iaddend.
performing a modified unit area calculation for each unit area of
the green, said modified unit area calculation determining a
modified amount of sunlight each unit receives based on the
modified shadow simulation.Iadd.; and wherein the computer is
programmed to perform at least one of performing a sun simulation,
performing a unit are calculation, performing a shadow simulation,
determining at least one course of action, performing a modified
shadow simulation, and performing a modified unit area
calculation.Iaddend..
11. A method of determining modifications to sunblocking objects on
a golf green to provide more sunlight to the green, the method
comprising: .[.a. Determining.]. .Iadd.a) determining .Iaddend.a
size, shape, and geographical location of the green.Iadd.;.Iaddend.
.[.b. Determining.]. .Iadd.b) determining .Iaddend.a size, shape,
and position relative to a predetermined point of at least one
sunblocking object.Iadd.;.Iaddend. .Iadd.c) storing in storage of a
computer the determined characteristics of the green and the
foliage;.Iaddend. .[.c. Determining.]. .Iadd.d) determining
.Iaddend.a relevant path of the sun across the sky as observed from
the geographical location of the green for a predetermined date and
time range.Iadd.;.Iaddend. .[.d. Performing.]. .Iadd.e) performing
.Iaddend.a shade calculation resulting in shade results, said shade
results determining an amount of shade cast on the green by the or
each sunblocking object based on the relevant path of the sun and
the size, shape, and position of the or each sunblocking
object.Iadd.;.Iaddend. .[.e. Performing.]. .Iadd.f) performing
.Iaddend.a modified calculation resulting in modified shade
results, said modified shade results determining a modified amount
of shade cast on the green by the or each sunblocking object based
on the relevant path of the sun and a modification of the or each
sunblocking object, said modification being chosen from a
modification group comprising.[.:.]. altering the shape of the or
each sunblocking object.Iadd., .Iaddend. removing the or each
sunblocking object.Iadd., .Iaddend. altering the size of the or
each sunblocking object.Iadd., and .Iaddend. a combination of
altering the size and the shape of the or each sunblocking
object.Iadd.;.Iaddend. .[.f. Determining.]. .Iadd.g) determining
.Iaddend.which modification from the modification group provides
more sunlight to the golf green based on a comparison of the shade
results and the modified shade results.Iadd.; and .Iaddend. .[.g.
Generating a visual representation of the shade results and the
modified shade results.]. .Iadd.h) wherein the computer is
programmed to perform at least one of performing a sun simulation,
performing a unit area calcuation, performing a shadow simulation,
determining at least one course of action, performing a modified
shadow simulation, and performing a modified unit area
calcuation.Iaddend..
12. A method as in claim 11 wherein step .[.e).]. .Iadd.f)
.Iaddend.further includes generating a visual representation of the
or each sunblocking object.
.Iadd.13. A computer system, having data storage means and memory,
for determining sunlight exposure of at least one selected area of
ground, turf or other low-lying outdoor area over one or more
selected time and date ranges, with the selected area being in the
vicinity of one or more existing or simulated trees, bushes or
other objects which each constitute an actual or potential sunlight
obstructing object relative to the selected area, said system
comprising: means for storing in the memory area data entries which
define a size and shape of the selected area, temporal data entries
defining at least one time and date range, and obstruction data
entries defining a size and position of at least one sunlight
obstructing object; processing means for performing sun
calculations which determine multiple solar positions of the sun in
the sky based on the temporal data entries and the area data
entries, for performing shadow calculations for each solar
position, said shadow calculations determining a size, shape and
position relative to the selected area of a shadow cast by the or
each sunlight obstructing objec, and for determining, for each
square unit of the selected area, a sunlight exposure time based on
the shadow calculations; output means for generating shadow
calculation results and portraying a representation of the shadow
calculation results, and for generating sun calculation results and
portraying a representation of the sun calculation
results..Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. A computer system as in claim 13 wherein at least one of
the data entries used by the processing means for performing sun
calculations includes an earth based latitude of the selected
area..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. A computer system as in claim 14 where the area data
entries further include: area azimuth readings of multiple points
on a perimeter of the selected area, and area distance readings of
each of the multiple points on the perimeter..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. A computer system as in claim 15 wherein: the area data
entries include a first predetermined location associated with the
selected area, and at least one second predetermined location
associated with the selected area; and said area distance readings
are measured between each of the multiple points on the perimeter
and the first predetermined location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. A computer system as in claim 16 wherein: said area
azimuth readings a relative to magnetic north and are determined
from said first predetermined location, the first predetermined
location is within the selected area, and the area data entries
include a longitude of the area..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. A computer system as in claim 13 wherein: the area data
entries include a first predetermined location associated with the
selected area, and at least one second predetermined location
associated with the selected area, which include, for at least one
second predetermined location, second location azimuth readings and
second location distance readings, and the second location azimuth
readings are determined from the first predetermined location and
the second location distance readings are measured between the at
least one second predetermined location and the first predetermined
location within the area..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. A computer system as in claim 13 wherein the obstruction
data entries include: obstruction azimuth readings of the or each
sunlight obstructing object, obstruction distance readings for the
or each sunlight obstructing object, and at least one elevation
reading for the or each sunlight obstructing object..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. A computer system as in claim 19 wherein: the area data
entries include a first predetermined location associated with the
selected area, and at least one second predetermined location
associated with the selected area, said obstruction distance
readings are measured between a location of the or each of the
sunlight obstructing object and a location chosen from the group
consisting of the first predetermined location and the second
predetermined location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. A computer system as in claim 19 wherein: the area data
entries include a first predetermined location associated with the
selected area, and at least one second predetermined location
associated with the selected area, and said obstruction azimuth
readings are relative to magnetic north and are determined from a
location chosen from the group consisting of the first
predetermined location and the at least one second predetermined
location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. A computer system as in claim 13 wherein said system is
operatively arranged to handle a plurality of sunlight obstructing
objects which are trees and wherein the obstruction data entries
further include for each tree at least a tree crown shape for the
tree and a crown upper evaluation reading for the
tree..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. A computer system as in claim 22 wherein the obstruction
data entries further include for each tree a crown lower elevation
reading for the tree, and at least one of crown azimuth reading for
a tree selected from a group consisting of a left crown azimuth
reading for the tree and a right crown azimuth reading for the
tree..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. A computer system as in claim 23 wherein: said crown
elevation readings for each tree are measured between a location of
the first sunlight obstructing object and a location chosen from
the group consisting of the first predetermined location and the at
least one second predetermined location, and said crown azimuth
readings are determined from a location chosen from the group
consisting of the first predetermined location and the at least one
second predetermined location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. A computer system as in claim 13 wherein: said system is
operatively arranged to handle a plurality of sunlight obstructing
objects which are trees, the obstruction data entries further
include for each tree include at least one growth rate for tree and
an aging time span for the tree..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. A computer system as in claim 25 wherein: the obstruction
data entries further include for each tree at least a tree crown
shape for the tree and a crown upper elevation reading for the
tree, and at least one of crown azimuth reading for the tree, said
system further comprises processing means for increasing the crown
azimuth readings and the crown elevation readings for each tree
based on the growth rate and the aging time span for the
tree..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. A computer system as in claim 13 wherein: the at least
one sunlight obstructing object is a block of trees; the
obstruction data entries further include tree block azimuth
readings of multiple points on a block perimeter of the block of
trees, tree block distance readings of each of the multiple points
on the block perimeter, and an average crown upper elevation
reading for the block of trees, and an average crown lower
elevation reading for the block of trees..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. A method of modifying foliage on a golf course to provide
more sunlight to a golf green, the method comprising the steps of:
determining characteristics of the green; determining
characteristics of the foliage pertinent to the green; storing in
storage of a computer the determined characteristics of the green
and the foliage; performing a sun simulation of a path of the sun
across the sky during a predetermined date and time range;
performing a shadow simulation of shadows cast on the green by the
foliage based on the sun simulation and the characteristics of the
foliage; performing a unit area calculation for each unit area of
the green, said unit area calculation determining an amount of
sunlight each unit receives based on the shadow simulation;
determining at least one course of proposed physical action
relative to the foliage to provide more sunlight to the green based
on the unit area calculation; performing a modified shadow
simulation of the shadows cast on the green by the foliage if each
proposed course of action were followed, said modified shadow
simulation being based on the sun simulation and projected
characteristics of the foliage; and performing a modified unit area
calculation for each unit area of the green, said modified unit
area calculation determining a modified amount of sunlight each
unit receives based on the modified shadow simulation; and wherein
the computer is programmed to perform at least one of performing a
sun simulation, performing a unit area calcuation, performing a
shadow simulation, determining at least one course of action,
performing a modified shadow simulation, and performing a modified
unit area calculation..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. A method of modifying foliage as in claim 28, wherein:
the determined characteristics of the green include at least a
plurality of green characteristics selected from the group of
characteristics consisting of the size of the green, the shape of
the green, and the location of the green; the determined
characteristics of the foliage include at least a plurality of
foliage characteristics selected from a group characteristics
consisting of the size of the foliage, the shape of the foliage,
and the location of the foliage relative to the green; and the
proposed course of physical action to the foliage being chosen from
a group of physical actions consisting of pruning at least some of
the foliage, removing at least some of the foliage, and relocating
at least some of the foliage..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. A method of evaluating proposed modifications to
sunblocking objects on an area of a turf to provide more sunlight
to the area of turf, the method including using a computer system
programmed to perform calculations and provide visual
representations and comprising the steps of: a) determining a
geographical location of the green; b) determining a
three-dimensional location for each of a plurality of sunblocking
objects in the vicinity of the green; c) determining a relevant
path of the sun across the sky as observed from the geographical
location of the green for a predetermined date and time range; d)
performing a shade calculation resulting in shade results, said
shade results determining an amount of shade cast on the green by
each such located sunblocking object based on the relevant path of
the sun and the three-dimensional location of each sunblocking
object; and e) performing a modified calculation resulting in
modified shade results, said modified shade results determining a
modified amount of shade cast on the green by each located
sunblocking object based on the relevant path of the sun and a
proposed modification of at least a plurality of the located
sunblocking objects, said proposed modification being chosen from a
modification group consisting of (1) altering the shape of the
sunblocking object, (2) removing the sunblocking object, (3)
altering the size of the sunblocking object, and (4) a combination
of altering the size and the shape of sunblocking
object..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. A method as in claim 30, of evaluating modifications to
sunblocking objects on an area of turf, further comprising the step
of: f) determining which proposed modification from the
modification group provides more sunlight to the golf green based
on a comparison of the shade results and the modified shade
results..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. A method as in claim 30 wherein step (e) further includes
using the computer system to generate at least one visual
representation of each sunblocking object..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to shade modification techniques and in
particular the use of analytical methods to simulate and increase
the amount of sunlight exposure of a golf green.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED PRIOR ART
Proper maintenance of golf greens is essential to the running of a
good golf course. A poorly maintained green can unfairly affect
scoring while a well maintained green is consistent for all
players. A well maintained green can also render putting more
predictable and therefore less frustrating. A major component to
maintaining a good golf green is having the grass grow evenly
across the green and to have the grass grow without any diseases.
Unfortunately, given the topography and tree cover that makes golf
courses so aesthetically pleasing, sunlight is not evenly
distributed throughout the green. A tree adjacent to a green, while
pleasing to the eye, may block significant amounts of sunlight from
reaching parts of the green throughout the day. This leads to
uneven grass growth and makes grass more susceptible to diseases.
Shaded parts of the green will have lesser growth and more
susceptibility to diseases while unshaded parts would have
healthier, better growing grass. Furthermore, players who enjoy
being in the sun may find greens that are shaded bothersome for
significant parts of the day.
However, even with the problems above, it is difficult to determine
the amount of sunlight and, concomitantly, shade that a green
receives. In order to do so the interaction between the sun and any
trees or features blocking the sun must be studied and analyzed.
Such an analysis can only be accomplished if the sun's path across
the sky is charted in conjunction with the position of any trees or
features that may block sunlight.
While tracking the sun's movement is an eons old occupation and
while observing the shadows cast by various objects is also quite
old, there are no analytical tools which are specifically tasked to
assist an arborist or turf manager in accomplishing these tasks
with respects to trees. There have been devices which can track the
sun and some that even have been able to give an indication however
slight, of the sun's path and its effect on a structure's
silhouette.
A patent issued to Gutschick (U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,330) measures the
solar radiation in a vegetative canopy by attaching sensors to the
leaves of the vegetative canopy. A computer then samples the sensor
readings and determines the amount of solar radiation that the
canopy receives. While this invention is quite ingenious, it does
not accomplish what is required by golf managers and arborists.
Gutschick provides data and a data processing capability to
determine solar radiation in specific spots but does not provide
any means to determine shade data, sunlight exposure analysis, nor
a what-if capability to determine which tree, structure, or even
tree branch can be modified to provide better light exposure. While
this apparatus can be used for this purpose, it would be a time
consuming and tedious process to attach a multiplicity of sensors
to leaves on each and every relevant tree adjacent the green. Also,
Gutschick does not provide any means to determine which trees are
the relevant ones in terms of a golf green's light exposure.
Another patent, issued to Dalrymple (U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,371)
provides for a device which can be used to determine the path of
the sun at any given time and day. The device is a hand-held
cylindrical device through which the user can view an area of
interest. By viewing the area of interest through the lens of the
device and through the markings on the lens, the viewer can see the
path the sun would travel at certain times of the year. The
markings are graduated to show where the sun would be at certain
times of the day and at certain times of the year. Unfortunately,
this patent does not show the actual amount of sunlight the sun
provides to an area. The device only shows the path the sun would
travel. While one can theoretically determine the amount of
sunlight an area may get, there is no means to determine the
behavior of either the sunlight or of shadows cast because of the
sun. To determine the amount of sunlight an area may receive, the
user would have to perform a mental projection of how the sun would
effect shadows in the area. Also, Dalrymple does not provides any
means to model sunlight behavior nor any means to provide a what-if
capability to determine the impact of any canopy modification.
A third patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,922, issued to Lewis, is a
device which has a wide angle viewer and a transparent screen which
has marked on it the paths the sun travels at various times of the
year. When the viewer peers through the viewer, the paths of the
sun can be determined for different times of the year. Also, by
having the area of interest in front of the device, the relevant
features, such as a tree or a church, is superimposed on the
transparent screen. Thus, by looking through the viewer, the user
can then quickly determine how long, per day, the area of interest
would be covered in shade at specific times of the year. While
Lewis seems to be accomplishing what is required, it runs into
problems when there are multiple trees or items that contribute to
the shade. If, for example, a clump of trees were providing shade,
there is no means to determine which tree contributed most to the
combined shade. One may extrapolate by a rough estimate, using this
invention, which tree contributes the most to the shade. However,
this rough estimate is by no means conclusive of the desired
results. The Lewis device, when used with a judicious eye and sound
judgment, may provide an approximation of what would happen if a
tree or a branch were removed. However, this again depends on the
abilities of the user. Human judgment is by definition imprecise
and therefore not suitable for determining proper canopy
coverage.
A fourth patent, (U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,297) issued to Owner-Peterson
et al. is for a sunlight calculator that is comprised of a base
portion and two sliding plates. One of the sliding plates is
transparent and has a double curve system that allows the plotting
of any day/hour combination. A further curve gives an indication of
the heating effect of the sun given the relevant data such as the
time and sun position. The invention is in effect a large slide
rule that allows the user to calculate specific information
regarding the sunlight that enters a specific window on a facade.
By sliding the plates properly, one can determine the path the sun
would take on a specific day, how much heat the sun would generate
through square units of window portions of the facade. Clearly,
this device was envisioned as a calculator to be used to determine
the effect of sunlight entering through a window. Owner-Peterson is
directed towards, among other things, determining the amount of
heat energy entering through a window. While this invention does
track the sun's movement, it does not give an indication of shade
or sunlight behavior.
Another patent in this area (U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,215) was issued to
Kruhoeffer et al. and related to a weather visualization system.
With this system, the user can generate a three dimensional
picture, complete with sunlight, shadows, clouds, and other weather
effects. Also, the user can generate a simulated "fly-by" of the
scene. The invention uses a computer to generate the image and it
takes into account all the relevant data such as the date and the
time of day. The invention also extracts information from
satellites and other sources of real-time information to
continually update the image. While Kruhoeffer does provide an
image of the general area with an indication of the sun's position
and its effects on the landscape, it does not have the capability
to project possibilities. Also, the invention provides a
macroscopic view of the area whereas what is needed is a more
localized view of the area. Furthermore, this invention makes use
of a pre-made three dimensional terrain map, requiring large
capital outlays to acquire such a map.
A final patent found in this area, U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,313 issued
to Griffin, provides an apparatus that determines solar exposure at
different locations. The device allows the user to determine the
amount of solar exposure an area receives by tracking the sun's
path at different times of the year. Griffin is comprised of a
base, an elevated sun pointing device, and numerous means to adjust
the sun pointing device depending on the date and the time of day.
On a theoretical level, this invention allows the user to visually
track the sun's path on a specific time of year and, by doing it in
front of a tree of interest, determining where the sun would be
relative to the tree. However, neither the device nor the method
claimed allows the user to project shadows resulting from the sun's
position. Also, neither of these two allow the user to
automatically determine which obstruction out of many contributes
the most to the shade covering an area.
As can be seen, none of the above devices are geared specifically
to assist an arborist or turf manager in making canopy pruning or
canopy removal decisions. Also, none of these devices can provide
recommendations as to which parts of a tree to prune or which tree
provides the most shade. Perhaps most importantly, none of these
devices can provide an arborist with data as to what effects
pruning or tree removal may have on a green's sunlight exposure
even before any pruning or tree removal is done.
From the above, it is clear that a tool is needed that can assist
an arborist or turf manager in making decisions. The tool must be
easy to use, flexible in terms of flexibility and, ideally, provide
the arborist with possible shade or sunlight effects of projected
canopy modifications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the deficiencies identified in the
prior art. The present invention provides a computer system that
can be used to model a sun's path across the sky, model shadows
caused by trees and other sunblocking objects, and analyze the
sunlight exposure of a golf green.
The above object is achieved by providing a computer system having
data storage means and a memory for determining sunlight exposure
of an area, said system including: input means for receiving and
storing in memory area data entries which define a size and shape
of the area and a first and at least one second predetermined
location input means for receiving and storing in the memory
temporal data entries defining a time and date range input means
for receiving and storing in the memory obstruction data entries
defining a size and relative position of at least one sunlight
obstructing object processing means for performing sun calculations
which determine multiple solar positions of the sun in the sky
based on the temporal data entries and the area data entries
processing means for performing shadow calculations for each solar
position, said shadow calculations determining a size, shape and
position relative to the area of a shadow cast by the or each
sunlight obstructing object processing means for determining for
each square unit of the area a sunlight exposure time based on the
shadow calculations output means for generating shadow calculation
results and portraying a representation of the shadow calculation
results and output means for generating sun calculation results and
portraying a representation of the sun calculation results
Preferably, the area data entries include an earth based latitude
of the area, a magnetic declination of the area, azimuth readings
of multiple points on a perimeter of the area, and area distance
readings of each of the multiple points on the perimeter, wherein
said area distance readings are measured between each of the
multiple points on the perimeter and the first predetermined
location and said area azimuth readings are relative to magnetic
north and are determined from said first predetermined
location.
More preferably, the first predetermined location is within the
area and the area data entries include a longitude of the area.
Most preferably, the area data entries include, for the or each
second predetermined location, second location azimuth readings
relative to magnetic north and second location distance readings,
wherein second location azimuth readings are determined from the
first predetermined location and the or each second location
distance readings are measured between the or each second
predetermined location and the first predetermined location within
the area.
Conveniently, the obstruction data entries include obstruction
azimuth readings of the or each sunlight obstructing object and
obstruction distance readings for the or each sunlight obstructing
object, an elevation reading for the or each sunlight obstructing
object, wherein said obstruction distance readings are measured
between a location of the or each of the sunlight obstructing
object and a location chosen from the group comprising the first
predetermined location and the at least one second predetermined
location and said obstruction azimuth readings are relative to
magnetic north and are determined from a location chosen from the
group comprising the first predetermined location and the at least
one second predetermined location.
More conveniently, the at least one sunlight obstructing object is
a tree and wherein the obstruction data entries further include a
tree crown shape for the or each tree, a crown upper elevation
reading for the or each crown of the or each tree, a crown lower
elevation reading for the or each crown of the or each tree, a left
crown azimuth reading for the or each crown of the or each tree,
and a right crown azimuth reading for the or each crown of the or
each tree wherein said crown elevation readings are measured
between a location of the or each of the sunlight obstructing
object and a location chosen from the group comprising the first
predetermined location and the at least one second predetermined
location and said crown azimuth readings are relative to magnetic
north and are determined from a location chosen from the group
comprising the first predetermined location and the at least one
second predetermined location.
Most conveniently, the obstruction data entries include at least
one growth rate for the or each tree and an aging time span.
Also preferably, the computer system further includes processing
means for increasing the crown azimuth readings and the crown
elevation readings for the or each tree based on the or each growth
rate and the aging time span.
More preferably, the at least one sunlight obstructing object is a
block of trees and wherein the obstruction data entries further
include tree block azimuth readings of multiple points on a block
perimeter of the block of trees, tree block distance readings of
each of the multiple points on the block perimeter, an average
crown upper elevation reading for the block of trees, and an
average crown lower elevation reading for the block of trees
wherein said tree block azimuth readings are relative to magnetic
north and are determined from a location chosen from the group
comprising the first predetermined location and the second
predetermined location and said tree block distance readings are
measured between each of the multiple points on the block perimeter
and a location chosen from the group comprising the first
predetermined location and the at least one second predetermined
location.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of modifying
foliage on a golf course to provide more sunlight to a golf green,
the method comprising: determining characteristics of the green
including size, shape, and location of the green determining
characteristics of the foliage including size, shape, and location
relative to the green performing a sun simulation of a path of the
sun across the sky during a predetermined date and time range
performing a shadow simulation of the shadows cast on the green by
the foliage based on the sun simulation and the characteristics of
the foliage performing a unit area calculation for each unit area
of the green, said unit area calculation determining an amount of
sunlight each unit receives based on the shadow simulation
determining at least one course of action to provide more sunlight
to the green based on the unit area calculation, the or each course
of action being chosen from a group comprising: pruning the foliage
removing the foliage relocating the foliage performing a modified
shadow simulation of the shadows cast on the green by the foliage
if the or each course of action were followed, said modified shadow
simulation being based on the sun simulation and projected
characteristics of the foliage performing a modified unit area
calculation for each unit area of the green, said modified unit
area calculation determining a modified amount of sunlight each
unit receives based on the modified shadow simulation
In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of
determining modifications to sunblocking objects on a golf green to
provide more sunlight to the green, the method comprising: a.
Determining a size, shape, and geographical location of the green
b. Determining a size, shape, and position relative to a
predetermined point of at least one sunblocking object c.
Determining a relevant path of the sun across the sky as observed
from the geographical location of the green for a predetermined
date and time range d. Performing a shade calculation resulting in
shade results, said shade results determining an amount of shade
cast on the green by the or each sunblocking object based on the
relevant path of the sun and the size, shape, and position of the
or each sunblocking object e. Performing a modified calculation
resulting in modified shade results, said modified shade results
determining a modified amount of shade cast on the green by the or
each sunblocking object based on the relevant path of the sun and a
modification of the or each sunblocking object, said modification
being chosen from a modification group comprising: altering the
shape of the or each sunblocking object removing the or each
sunblocking object altering the size of the or each sunblocking
object a combination of altering the size and the shape of the or
each sunblocking object f. Determining which modification from the
modification group provides more sunlight to the golf green based
on a comparison of the shade results and the modified shade results
g. Generating a visual representation of the shade results and the
modified shade results
Preferably, step e) further includes generating a visual
representation of the or each sunblocking object
The advantages of the present invention are numerous. The computer
system is flexible in its capabilities as it allows the arborist to
generate visual representations of the calculation results. Also,
the computer system provides what-if scenarios, allowing the
arborist or turf managers to determine which canopy modification
strategy works best. Furthermore, the system and the method gives
the arborists or turf managers the capability to determine what
sunlight cover would be like at any time of the year.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the invention will be obtained by
considering the detailed description below, with reference to the
following drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the components of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a golf green as generated by a
computer program used to practice the invention.
FIG. 3 shows a measuring instrument that can be used to assist in
practising the invention.
FIG. 4 shows a golf green with a plurality of relevant points that
must be entered into the computer program used to practice the
invention.
FIG. 5 shows a tree with its relevant crown azimuth readings
indicated.
FIG. 6 is a sample diagram of the path of the sun on a specific day
as observed from the center of a golf green.
FIG. 7 is a sample diagram of the golf green coded to indicate
sunlight exposure times.
FIG. 8 is a sample graph that indicates individual tree
contribution to green shade.
FIG. 9 is a sample coded diagram of sunlight exposure times
calculated with one tree disregarded in the calculations.
FIG. 10 is a sample picture of a tree with skewed images of the
golf green superimposed to determine which parts of the tree
provide the most shade.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates the components of the computer system ideally
used to practice the invention. The ideal components are a CPU 10,
a memory 20, a keyboard 30, a program 40 residing in the memory 20,
and a monitor 50. A printer 60 can also be attached to provide
printouts of the relevant data. Furthermore, have data storage
means such as a hard drive 70 is required. The CPU 10 would perform
all the calculations required while the keyboard 30 is used to
enter the required data.
FIG. 2 shows an overhead schematic view of a sample golf green
generated by a program 40. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the golf
green 80 is flanked by the trees 1,2, and 3. Also, the golf green
80 is flanked by a building B1.
Defining the golf green 80 to the program 40 is accomplished by
taking azimuth readings of numerous points on the perimeter of the
green 80.
Such measurements, and others that are required by the invention,
can be taken by the use of well-known surveying instruments such as
the Nikon C-100 Total Station. These measuring instruments, such as
the instrument 85 shown in FIG. 3, can take elevation and azimuth
readings of sight. Some of these instruments also measure
distances. For our purposes, azimuth is the distance from magnetic
north as expressed in degrees. For example, 90 degrees=east, 180
degrees=south, 270 degrees=west, and 360 degrees=north. Also for
our purposes, elevation is the distance from level as expressed in
degrees. For example, level=90 degrees and vertical is 0
degrees.
Referring to FIG. 4, the azimuth and distance of multiple points 90
(marked as black dots around the perimeter of the green) on the
golf green 80 are preferably determined from the center of the
green 80. While the green center is the most convenient location
for these measurements, other locations not necessarily within the
green can be used as well. These azimuth and distance readings are
then entered into the program 40. This method of locating points
relative to the center of the green 80 is also to be used in
defining the position of the trees 1,2, and 3. The azimuth of the
trees 1,2,3 are measured from the center of the green 80 along with
the distance between the trees and the centre of the green.
However, should this method of determining azimuth relative to the
center not be practical, such as a blocked line of sight, a
secondary locating position can be found. The location of this
secondary position must, however, be entered into the program 40 by
entering its azimuth and distance as measured from the center. By
doing this, any features, such as trees, with its azimuth measured
from the secondary position can have its position calculated
relative to the center of the green. This is done by using a simple
translational calculation with the center as the center of a planar
Cartesian coordinate system and the secondary position and the
feature as points on the coordinate system. Multiple secondary
locations can be used as long as there azimuth, distance readings
are entered into the program 40. Should the secondary locating
position have a different elevation from the centre of the green,
this elevation, as measured by the instrument 85, is also entered
into the program 40.
After entering the location, via the azimuth and distance readings,
of the trees 1, 2, and 3, other characteristics of these trees are
entered into the program 40. To properly simulate the shadow cast
by a tree, its crown shape and the size of the crown must be
determined. This is accomplished by choosing a crown shape that
fits the tree's crown as closely as possible. Possible crown shapes
are umbrella, oval, pyramidal, parabolic, columnar, and round.
After determining crown shape, the characteristics of the crown are
then found and, along with the crown shape, entered into the
program 40. To determine the height of the tree, its elevation is
measured using the measuring instrument 85. A proper determination
of the crown size requires a reading of the crown's left azimuth,
right azimuth, top elevation and bottom elevation. An illustration
of these measurements is shown in FIG. 5.
Further azimuth and distance readings taken from different vantage
points can be entered into the program 40 to further define the
tree. This will give the program 40 an almost three dimensional
view of the tree.
The above steps must be repeated for each tree that is sufficiently
close to the green 80. However, if there is a large block of trees
close by, it would be tedious and, in most cases, redundant to
repeat the above steps for each and every tree. Thus, a single
entry for the whole block can be made to determine the block's
contribution to shade, if any. To enter a block into the program
40, azimuth and distance readings of multiple points on the block's
perimeter must be made and entered into the program 40. These
points must be numerous enough to define the shape of the tree
block. Such readings can be made relative to either the center of
the green 80 or relative to a secondary position as noted
above.
After defining the tree block's perimeter, the average upper
elevation of the trees in the block is taken and entered into the
program 40. Similarly, an average lower elevation of the trees in
the block is measured and entered into the program 40.
It must be noted that any other sunlight obstructing object, such
as building B1 in FIG. 2, is entered and defined for the program 40
in a manner similar to that of a block of trees.
A blocking horizon, defined as the horizon at the green over which
there is no control, such as a building or a hill, must also be
entered to give a proper simulation of sunlight and shade.
After entering the relevant data regarding the sunlight blocking
objects, the sun's path must be determined so that sunlight
coverage can be calculated. To do so, the geographical location of
the golf course must be entered. This would include entering the
longitude, latitude, and magnetic declination of the course. The
magnetic declination, also Known as variance in aeronautical terms,
is entered to compensate for the difference between magnetic north
and true north. The longitude and latitude can be found through
maps, relevant software, or GPF locating devices. With respect to
magnetic declination, topographic maps and other software can be
used. Also, a specific date, including year, month, and day, must
be entered into the program 40. The program 40 calculates, through
well-known astronomical and geographical algorithms, the path the
sun will travel on that specific day as seen from that specific
longitude and latitude.
A sample print out of the sun's path on a specific day is
illustrated in FIG. 6. This graph illustrates where the sun will be
on the date in question relative to the green 80.
After determining the sun's path, the program 40 simulates the
shadow cast on the green 80 by each sunblocking object. By using
well-known trigonometric and geometric methods and algorithms, the
shadow cast by a sunblocking object, such as a tree, can be
determined. Given the sun's position in the sky, the height and
shape of the object, the shape of the shadow as projected by the
object can be found by the program 40. This is done by calculating
for each of a significant number of points on the silhouette of the
object a point on the ground where the silhouette point would cast
a shadow, given the sun's position in the sky. With enough points
on the object's silhouette an outline of the tree, as projected on
the ground, is obtained. This outline is the object's shadow for
that specific time of day.
Using the above method for all sunblocking objects, a picture of
the green, with appropriate shadows, is composed. Separate trees or
objects cast separate shadows and overlapping shadows do not
present a problem given that if one shadow covers a specific area,
an overlapping shadow does not affect that first shadow.
An analysis of sunlight exposure is therefore now possible. Now
that the program 40 knows where the sun will be in the sky at each
point during daylight on the specified date, and now that the
program 40 can determine where a sunblocking object's shadow will
fall given a position of the sun, the program 40 then simulates a
day's sunlight exposure of the green 80. The program 40, knowing
the size and shape of the green 80, thus divides the green 80 into
smaller unit areas. Then, by simulating the shadows falling on the
green 80 for each position the sun takes in the sky, a map of
sunlight exposure for the green 80 is obtained. This map not only
shows which area received sunlight but also how much sunlight it
receives during the day. By graphically presenting this map to an
agronomist or turf manager, he or she can determine which areas are
deficient of sunlight. An example of such a map is shown in FIG. 7.
Portrayed on the figure are a number of zones on the green 80 with
each zone marked with an indication of how much sunlight it
receives during a specified day. For example, Zone A receives 6-7
hours of sunlight while Zone F receives 11-12 hours of sunlight.
The map can be portrayed on either the monitor 50 or printed out on
the printer 60.
A further analysis of which tree contributes most to the shade
falling on the green 80 is also performed by the program 40. This
is accomplished by simulating each tree's shadow on the green 80 in
isolating from any other sunblocking object. Thus, a tree's shadow
throughout the day is simulated and the shadow's total coverage in
terms of square foot hours is calculated. The program 40 can easily
calculate this for every tree as the green 80 has been subdivided
into numerous unit areas. The results for each tree are then
graphed to show that tree's contribution to green shading. A sample
graph of stand alone tree contribution to green is shown in FIG.
8.
The above analysis determines which tree contributes the most to
green shading. Given that what is desired is an increase in
sunlight exposure, the problem tree of trees is identified by
observing which tree or trees on the above mentioned graph
contributes the most to green shading. The next step is a
simulation of possible effects on green shading by projected
modification to the canopy. One possible modification is the
drastic measure of eliminating the tree. To determine what effect
removing a problem tree will have on green shading, the program 40
is told to disregard the problem tree in running a shadow and
sunlight simulation similar to that outlined above. By generating a
sunlight exposure map with the problem tree disregarded, the effect
of removing the problem tree can be seen. An example of such a map
is shown in FIG. 9. This FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 7 but with tree
3 disregarded in simulating sunlight exposure. Comparing these two
figures shows that there is a significant increase in sunlight
exposure for most of the green 80. For example, Zone A1now receives
8-9 hours of sunlight compared to 6-7 hours in Zone A in FIG. 7.
Zone E1 now receives 12-13 hours of sunlight compared to the same
area (Zone E and Zone F) in FIG. 7.
If, on the other hand, removing the problem tree or trees is not an
option, pruning the tree to reduce its size or change its shape can
be considered. To assist in this, the program 40 will generate a
graphical representation of the problem tree with a numerous
superimposed images of the green 80 corresponding to each position
of the sun. The program 40 projects a shape of the green 80, skewed
based on sun angle, onto a diagram of the tree. Any portion of the
tree blocking light has a part of the green shape overlapping it.
An example of such an image is shown in FIG. 10. A glance at this
image shows which part of the tree blocks the sun and at what time
it does so. FIG. 10 shows that it is the top of the tree which
blocks sunlight and that pruning is not an option, given the
already sparse crown. Furthermore, the path of the sun as viewed
from the centre of the green is also shown in FIG. 10 as a number
of white dots. This way, the arborist can see how the sun interacts
with the shade of the tree at different times of the day.
With another tree, for which pruning is an option, the arborist or
turf manager can edit the tree's image by adding or subtracting to
the tree's crown. Using a mouse or any other suitable pointing
device connected to the system, the arborist adds or subtracts to
the tree crown, using the projected green image as a guide. This
effectively changes the size and shape of the tree crown and,
concomitantly, the tree's shadow. Based on this new size and shape,
the program 40 simulates a projected sunlight exposure on the green
80 according to the procedure outlined above. This therefore gives
the arborist an idea of the effect of specific projected pruning
modifications before any pruning is actually done.
To determine the effect of relocating trees, the arborist tells the
program 40 to disregard a certain existing tree from its
simulations. The arborist then defines a tree at the projected
relocation site to the program 40 using the characteristics of the
existing tree. The program 40 them simulates the shade effects of
relocating the tree.
To further aid in determining the interaction between the trees and
the shadows, the program 40 animates the movement of the shadows
cast by trees due to the sun's movement. This is done by
calculating for each sky position of the sun the position, shape,
and size of each shadow. Each sky position of the sun and the
shadows it generates comprises a frame of the resulting animation.
This animation is shown to the arborist via the monitor 50.
It must be noted that to speed up the simulations, the arborist can
edit the time increments used by the program 40. Thus, if an
arborist selects 5 minute increments and as daylight lasts for 14
hours, 168 separate shadow simulations must be carried out for a
complete simulation of the day's shadows. However, if the arborist
selects 30 minute intervals, only 28 simulations need to be carried
out, one for every 30 minute interval. Lowering the number of
shadow simulations by decreasing the number of intervals, however,
yields faster but less accurate results.
A further feature of the program 40 that aids the arborist is
designed to spot future sunlight problems. By entering a horizontal
and a vertical growth rate for every tree of interest, the program
40 calculates a tree's horizontal and vertical growth and its
effect on sunlight exposure. This aging process requires that the
arborist enter an aging time along with the growth rates. Thus, if
a tree has a radial growth rate of 6 inches per year a horizontally
and 12 inches per year vertically, aging it by three years will
yield a different sunlight coverage. The aged tree will now be 36
inches wider and 36 inches taller. Based on these projected
dimensions, the program 40 runs a new shadow simulation. This gives
the arborist an idea of what sunlight exposure will be on the green
80 in three year's time.
A person understanding this invention may now conceive of
alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above
all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention
as defined in the claims that follow.
* * * * *