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Description  |
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BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The game of golf is extremely popular throughout the world and is widely
played both as a serious athletic endeavor and as a basis primarily for
social relationship. Inherently, the game involves self competition
wherein the player strives to improve on his anticipated score. In that
regard, regular players usually have assigned handicaps based upon their
prior play and particularly their most recent scores. Accordingly, in a
typical round of golf, a player seeks to score better than would be
indicated by his present handicap.
As golf provides a basis for individual competition, relative equality
between a group of players is not necessary for a compatible relationship.
That is, a foursome of golfers may well have a pleasant and enjoyable game
together even though their individual capabilities vary considerably. In
spite of the self-competition aspect of golf, the game is frequently
enhanced by contest arrangements that normally reflect individual
capability or handicap. For example, in the most simple situation, two
players might simply compete on the basis of their individual handicaps.
Essentially, the contest would reflect a competition between the golfers,
each pitted against the other, on the basis of their individual
capability, as manifest by their handicaps. Apart from such a direct
competitive arrangement, a number of competitive relationships for
enhancing the game of golf are widely used and well defined. Such
arrangements include team play, nassau arrangements, and press
arrangements.
The standard golf course consists of eighteen holes each of which involves
the contest of stroking a ball into a cup with the minimum number of
strokes. On a given course, each hole is assigned a numerical value, i.e.
par, which represents the number of strokes allotted to an expert.
Accordingly, the par value is an indicator of the difficulty in playing
the hole, i.e. the higher the par value, the more difficult the hole.
Individual players are assigned handicaps based on their individual
performance in relation to par. For example, a player might have a
handicap of eleven, indicating that on the basis of his recent scores, he
is expected to score eleven strokes over par. Generally, as indicated
above, arranged contests between players are based upon a consideration of
player handicaps. For example, if a player having a handicap of eleven
strokes entered a contest with a player having a handicap of fifteen
strokes, normally the poorer player would expect to enjoy a four-stroke
advantage in the scoring. Regarding the application of such strokes, as
the play progresses, they are traditionally allotted or assigned to the
holes of greatest difficulty.
Score counting, with the allocation of handicap strokes may become rather
complex. The scoring in contests is sometimes further complicated by
so-called "press" arrangements which are initialed after play has begun.
As a consequence of the various competitive combinations which might be
arranged within a group of players, and those which may develop during the
course of play, the computations and scoring may become quite complex. The
use of the present invention tends to minimize the time and effort which
is otherwise required for score keeping and computations to maintain a
record and provide the status of various individual contests.
It is recognized that various computer systems previously have been
proposed for providing the consequences of different forms of competitive
play. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,483 (Brunson) discloses a system
for computing bowling scores. U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,376 (Corkin) discloses a
system for use in the sport of horse racing which is embodied in a small
hand-held calculator. Similar forms of structures have been proposed for
bridge scoring, as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,871 (Olson) and golf scoring as
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,142,236 (Martz). However, a need continues for such a
convenient form of calculator which incorporates structure not only for
providing a golf score but furthermore for calculating and providing the
resulsts of various competitive arrangements as specified between
individual players of a group. The calculator of the present invention
fulfills such a need by utilizing a preprogrammed microprocessor which
receives data from a keyboard and stores it in a memory for subsequent
retrieval and use. The elements of the system are coupled for operation
through the processor which controls the flow of data and commands to
accomplish specified manipulations and drive the display. More
specifically, the product of the present invention is a special-purpose,
hand-held calculator, which incorporates a keyboard, a digital display,
electronics, and battery power means integrated with a microprocessor and
semiconductor memory which enable the product to be programmed to
accomplish the results of commanded instructions specifying golfing data
and competitive golf relationships.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, an
exemplary embodiment, demonstrating the various objectives and features
hereof, is set forth as follows:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a calculator for golf constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view and component diagram illustrating the
individual components in the apparatus of FIG. 1 and the relationship
between such components;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the components of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 and the data flow therebetween; and
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating data flow and manipulation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
As indicated above, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the invention is
disclosed herein. However, systems for computing the results of contest
arrangements between individual golfers may be embodied in accordance with
various forms, some of which may be detailed rather differently from the
disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional
details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard
they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure
and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the
present invention.
Referring initially to FIG. 1, a calculating system constructed in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated in a disclosed
embodiment. Generally, the system provides a conventional five-function
calculator capability in addition to affording the programmed
special-purpose computer operations applicable for use in the game of
golf. Specifically, in a golfing context, the system receives preliminary
instructions or commands along with course and handicap data; then as the
play progresses, individual scores are entered with the result that the
device computes the results for any of a variety of competitive golfing
arrangements. In that regard, the disclosed system accommodates
competitive arrangement scoring for up to four players.
The disclosed embodiment of the system as illustrated in FIG. 1 is
approximately seven inches high, four inches wide, and one and one-half
inches thick. Essentially, such dimensions specify the housing 12 of a
somewhat parallelepiped configuration, the upper panel 14 of which
incorporates a digital display 16 and a keyboard 18. In the disclosed
embodiment, the display 16 provides a multiple-digit illuminated display
using seven-segment type numerals. Of course, such displays and energizing
apparatus for them are well known and widely used in hand-held calculators
of the prior art.
Considering the elements of the keyboard 18 somewhat generally, keys for
the digits zero through nine are provided in a numeric section 20. These
keys are used both in the golf computer function and to perform routine
arithmetic calculations.
Positioned generally around the numeric section 20 are a number of control
keys, some of which are also multiple function, the labels and individual
functions of which are considered in greater detail below.
Above the numeric section 20 are several other keys 23 generally dedicated
to providing command functions to accomplish competitive golfing
arrangements. These keys also will be considered in greater detail below.
Recapitulating to some extent, the keys in the numeric section 20 along
with the contiguous command keys 21 may be utilized to perform
conventional five-function calculator capability. However, specific to the
present invention of a golf calculator, most of the keys in section 20 and
keys 21 are useful in cooperation with the command keys 23 on the panel 14
to input golfing data and golfing commands as well as to command status
displays. Essentially, the operation of the system in a golfing context
involves three distinct functional phases. Detailed descriptions of the
operating phases are provided below; however, preliminarily each phase of
operation relates to a phase of play. First, the preparatory operations
are performed, when the system is provided with certain basic data, i.e.
handicap information, course information, competitive player combinations,
and any special instructions. The second phase of operation is coincident
with the progress of actual play and involves inputting the scoring data
as it develops. It is noteworthy that the system may also receive commands
to define enhanced competitive relationships between players after play
has begun. The third operational aspect of the system involves the output
of competitive results. The status of play may be provided during the
course of play and final results are provided when play is concluded.
Considering the structure of the device in somewhat greater detail,
reference will now be made to FIG. 2 which is generally a vertical
sectional view taken centrally through the device as illustrated in FIG.
1. Representative keys on the panel 14 are indicated, below which the
major electrical components are mounted. In that regard, a printed circuit
board 22 is suspended for firm support within the housing 12. The board 22
carries certain coupling and driver electronics along with a
microprocessor, ROM and RAM memories, and a serial shift register, all of
which elements 24 are generally designated on the printed circuit board
22. The elements 24 are connected to individual key contacts (not shown)
on the panel 14 through a wire bundle 26 and to contacts (not shown) for
the display 16 through a wire bundle 28. Note that a lens 30 is affixed in
the housing 12 over the digital display 16. A pair of batteries 32 are
also mounted within the housing 12 and connected to the elements 24
although such connections are not illustrated in FIG. 2. Of course,
interconnection between individual terminals of the electrical elements 24
is provided by conductive paths on the printed circuit board 22 as well
known in the art. Finally, as also well known in the art, a power supply
apparatus 34 is provided in the disclosed embodiment whereby the system
may be powered from an alternating current source, as to conserve and/or
charge the batteries 32 as well known in prior portable electronic units.
Considering the electrical elements 24 in somewhat greater detail,
reference will now be made to FIG. 3 in which both changeable and fixed
memory elements are illustrated. That is, more specifically, the
changeable memory elements take the form of semiconductor random access
memories, RAM units, while the fixed memory elements comprise
semiconductor read-only memory elements ROM units. In general, the ROM
memory is used to contain instructions and programs while the RAM memory
is employed for operational and working data. Of course, movement and
processing of instructions as well as data is controlled and accomplished
by a microprocessor, as disclosed in greater detail below.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, control of the system is accomplished by a
microprocessor 36 (upper left). The microprocessor may take the form of a
unit manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif., which
is readily available on the market. The microprocessor 36 is variously
connected to the other operating elements of the system. In that regard,
operating power is supplied to the processor 36 through an "on-off" switch
38. As illustrated, power is supplied through the switch 38 from a
terminal 40. A control for the microprocessor, as explained below, places
the system in a low-power state wherein only a few critical circuits are
operative.
The microprocessor 36 is connected to all the keys on the panel 14 (FIG. 1)
collectively considered as a keyboard 42 through a multiple conductor 44
(FIG. 3). Specifically, the keyboard 42 provides a digital signal
representation of characters in a four-bit format as well known in the
prior art. Such representations are controlled by strobe lines 46 which
carry signals from a memory 48 and which are also supplied to the display
16 as illustrated in FIG. 3.
The memory 48 incorporates both ROM and RAM capacity and in that regard may
be as manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. The
memory 48 is connected to the microprocessor 36 through several signal
paths. Specifically, a set 50 of three conductors couple the
microprocessor 36 to the memory 48 as well as to a RAM unit 52. A
twelve-conductor address bus makes a similar connection as does an
input-output bus 56 of eight conductors.
The memory 48 is supplemented by a shift register 58 with an independent
power supply in the form of a battery 60. The register 58 is simply
connected in a loop from the memory 48 and serves to register generally
static information, i.e. data on the player's home course. The battery 60
constantly supplies power to the register 58 so that the combination
retains the registered data.
The display 16 is connected to be energized by an eight-segment driver 64
which is in turn connected through a four-conductor line 66 to the
microprocessor 36. Accordingly, data from the microprocessor 36 is
provided through the line 66 to the driver 64 for selectively actuating
the display 16 in a sequence controlled by signals carried in the strobe
lines 46. Upon the actuation of a key in the keyboard 42, signals are
formed representative of either a numeric (data) or a control function or
instruction. If a numeric key is actuated, signals supplied through the
wires 44 to the microprocessor 36 are transferred to the memory 48 for
subsequent use. Conversely, if the key actuated on the keyboard 42
produces signals representative of a control function, then the
microprocessor 36 interprets the instruction or command either singly
(depending on the character) or with others in a composite transaction and
actuates the system to accomplish the specified operation. Of course, as
well known in the operation of microprocessors, specific actions are
simply a function of programmed instructions that have been designed into
the system along with the primary memory 48.
In view of the above description of the structure and form of the disclosed
embodiment, a comprehensive understanding thereof may now be best
accomplished by assuming certain operating conditions and pursuing an
explanation of the events that occur during different phases of operation.
However, preliminarily, some further details will be provided on the form
of computations and competitive relationship accomodated by the disclosed
embodiment.
The apparatus of the preferred embodiment is to be used on a golf course
having a par rating whereby each hole is rated in order of difficulty by
the number of strokes allowed to achieve a so-called "par" score.
Furthermore, the players each have assigned handicap scores based upon
their performance in recent games, playing certified courses. Generally,
as indicated above, the handicap of a player is the measure of the
additional (or fewer) strokes that the player averages for eighteen holes
of play in relation to the course rating of par. For example, a player
having a handicap of ten is rated and expected to score ten strokes above
par in a given round of golf.
Concerning contest arrangements between players, a number of standard
possibilities exist. One arrangement which is widely used and is
accommodated by the disclosed embodiment is sometimes referred to as
nassau play. Such an arrangement is based upon eighteen holes of play and
the scoring is applicable to sets of nine holes. For example, one point is
awarded to the winner of the first nine holes of play; one point is
awarded to the winner of the second none holes of play; and one point is
awarded to the total eighteen holes of play. Of course, nassau
arrangements may be made between two players of a foursome or two teams of
a foursome. As one variation of team play, the contest might involve
counting only one player's source for each hole of play. That is, for
example, only the best score (sometimes called the "best ball") for a hole
of play by the team is tallied as the score. Of course, various other
arrangements can be facilitated including a so-called "worst ball"
program.
Another form of popular contest between players is sometimes called a
"press" arrangement. Press arrangements are based on the remaining play
from any specific point of play. Accordingly, press arrangements may be
entered before actual play is begun or they may be initiated at the
conclusion of any specific hole. Essentially, such arrangements place
players in contest, based upon their existing handicaps and the ratings of
the golf course, for the remaining holes of play in a game. It is to be
noted, that in accordance with general custom, the allocations of handicap
strokes are applied to holes on the basis of the rated difficulty of the
holes.
In view of the above considerations, it is apparent that the computations
attendant various golf arrangements may become rather laborious,
particularly if several contests are arranged between individual players
as well as teams of players. With such a general background in mind,
exemplary use of the apparatus of the disclosed embodiment will now be
pursued in some detail.
The preliminary operating phase of the system involves initializing
manipulations. This operation involves inputting data to the system on the
players, the golf course, and initial contest arrangements. Of course,
input involves using the keyboard 42 (FIG. 3) to formulate all data and
command operations. In accordance with conventional operating formats,
numeric information is displayed by the digital display 16 simultaneously
with entry.
The first step in initiating operation is to depress the "on/off" key 68
(FIG. 1) which closes the switch 38 (FIG. 3) to energize the electronic
elements 24. Note in that regard, that as explained above, prior to
closure of the switch 38, the register 58 was energized by the battery 60
(the combination involving exceedingly low power) so that the contents of
the register 58 is normally preserved from one use of the apparatus to
another. However, to load the register 58, either initially or in the
event of a change, the "ENTER" key 70 (FIG. 1) is first depressed to start
an input sequence. The data is supplied then is designated as the data for
a home course (which is to be placed in the register 58) by depressing the
key labeled "%", one of the command keys 21. As a result of these
operations, binary signals ST and HC are formed in a high state to
indicate that the home course data will follow. Note that a list of
signals with sources and functions is set forth below as a convenient
reference and summary.
______________________________________
Signal
Source Function
______________________________________
ST "ENTER" key designates input
operation
HC "%" key designates home course
data, hole-by-hole
EN "ENTER" key designates end of
input operation
HD processor and numeric
data on home course
keys
VC "*" key designates visiting
course data, hole-by-
hole
VD processor and numeric
data on visitor course
keys
AP "A" key designates A player
BP "B" key designates B player
CP "C" key designates C player
DP "D" key designates D player
AH processor and numeric
player A handicap data
keys
BH processor and numeric
player B handicap data
keys
CH processor and numeric
player C handicap data
keys
DH processor and numeric
player D handicap data
keys
BB key: "AB + CD(bb)"
commands contest
between AB and CD based
on best ball play
BW key: "AB + CD(wb)"
commands contest
between AB and CD based
on worst ball play
AB key: "A + B" commands contest
between A and B
AC key: "A + C" commands contest
between A and C
AD key: "A + D" commands contest
between A and D
BC key: "B + C" commands contest
between B and C
BD key: "B + D" commands contest
between B and D
CD key: "C + D" commands contest
between C and D
RE key: "REV" commands reversal of
commanded contest
DO key: "1-DOWN" adjusts press contest
downward
EV key: "EVEN" sets press contest
even
AN key: "ANY" sets press contest
FN key: "FRONT 9" sets nassau contest
BN key: "BACK 9" sets nassau contest
EI key: "EIGHTEEN" sets nassau contest
FW key: "4-WAY" sets nassau contest
______________________________________
After the preliminary operations indicated above to designate home-course
data as the next input, the numeric section 20 (FIG. 1) is utilized to
enter the first hole rating, e.g. the value of five, to indicate five
strokes for the first hole. Thereafter, the key designated "%" is again
depressed and the numeric section 20 is again utilized to indicate the
rating for the second hole. That pattern is repeated to register the hole
ratings for each of eighteen holes.
At the conclusion of the home-course data operation, the key "ENTER" is
again depressed to formulate a signal EN indicating the conclusion of an
input operation. In that manner, the home-course data HD is received and
provided from the processor 36 (FIG. 4) to the register 58.
To accommodate play at a visiting course, the data on such course is to be
freshly entered. Specifically, after depressing the "ENTER" key 70, data
is designated as visiting-course data VD by depressing the key determined
by an "*" which forms a signal VC. Just as for the entry of the home
course data, visiting-course data VD is entered hole-by-hole following
each depression of the "*" key. At the conclusion of the operation, the
"ENTER" key is again depressed to terminate the input operation with the
consequence that the visiting course data VD is registered in a memory
section 72 (FIG. 4) of the memory 48.
The next step in the initializing process involves entering the handicap
data for each of the four players. Again, the "ENTER" key 70 is depressed
followed by selective depression of the player designation keys A, B, C,
and D and the appropriate handicap data. Normally, the handicap data will
be entered in the alphabetic order of letters assigned to the individual
players. That is, usually the player key "A" will be depressed followed by
depression of numeric keys in the section 20 to indicate the handicap
forming a signal AH for the player who is identified by the letter A.
Following the entry of data on player A, the data on players B, C, and D
is similarly entered by depressing the player keys "B", "C", and "D",
followed by the numerics to indicate their handicaps to form the signals
BH, CH, and DH. Again, at the conclusion of this operation, the "ENTER"
key is depressed to conclude the input operation. Thereafter, the player
handicap data (signals AH, BH, CH, and DH) is respectively registered in
the data memory sections 76, 78, 79, and 80. At the conclusion of these
preliminary operations, the system is operated to input the various
competitive arrangements as the so-called nassau arrangement.
A number of keys on the keyboard 18 (FIG. 1) facilitate various specific
nassau arrangements. However, initially consider the operations for
setting up a basic nassau arrangement. As in the example considered above,
the initial operation involves depressing the "ENTER" key 70 (FIG. 1) to
initiate an input interval. Next, keys are depressed to indicate the
predetermined player contests. Specifically, as indicated in the above
chart, any of the keys designated as: AB & CD (with best or worst ball); A
& B; A & C; A & D; B & C; B & D; and/or C & D may be depressed as commands
of gaming formats, that is, to command contests between players designated
by the letters which will be scored by the system.
After the selection of the contest-arranging keys, the system will
interpret the nassau as a so-called three-way arrangement unless the key
designated "4-WAY" is depressed. Note that the other keys aligned with the
key designated "4-WAY" are used in commanding status information. As a
part of a nassau arrangement, press arrangements may also be included. In
such an event, any one of the keys designated: "1-DOWN", "EVEN", or "ANY"
may be used to specify specific press arrangements. Also, a pair of keys
designated by Roman Numerals "I" and "II" may be employed to specify other
than standard handicap criteria.
At the conclusion of entering data to command detailed aspects of each
contest, another nassau arrangement key may be depressed. Note that these
include the team play nassaus as well as all possibilities for individual
play combination.
Each of the keys as considered above provides the formulation of a signal
as specified in the above chart. These signals are applied to the
processor 36 (FIG. 4) to initiate instructions for predetermined
computation patterns of scoring the selected contest arrangements. Of
course, the instructions may be variously registered or set in command
within the processor 36 or use the memory availability of the memories 48
or 52. With the complete specification of the contest arrangements, the
"ENTER" key 70 is again depressed to indicate the conclusion of the input
interval. Thus, the system is prepared to receive golfing scores on a
hole-by-hole basis and provide the scoring results from the various
preselected contest arrangements. After the initializing operations as
described above, the apparatus of the disclosed embodiment may be
conveniently and effectively used during the course of play to indicate
the status of the various contest arrangements as well as to initiate
further contest arrangements. Specifically, after each player completes
the first hole of golf, the scores are entered in the apparatus.
Specifically, the "ENTER" key 70 (FIG. 1) is depressed followed by the
actuation of keys in the numeric section 20 to designate the hole number.
Next, a player key is selected, e.g. the key designated "A", and the
actual stroke count for that player is entered on a selected key or keys
in the numeric section 20. That operation is repeated for each of the
players in the contest group. At the conclusion of the input operations,
the "ENTER" key 70 is again depressed as repeatedly explained above.
As play continues and scores are entered, press arrangements can be started
on any of the remaining holes of play. These arrangements are independent
of the press arrangements previously commanded to the apparatus.
Specifically, such arrangements are commanded by depressing the "ENTER"
key 70, followed by a designation of the next hole number, using the
numeric section 20. The player combination must be again specified in
terms of the labels A, B, C, or D using the appropriate keys. As indicated
above, the order between selected players in contest may be reversed by
depressing the key designated "REV". If a nassau arrangement is to be
assigned, the desired key is depressed after which the transaction is
concluded by again depressing the key 70.
Throughout the interval of play, at the conclusion of play, the players can
obtain the status of the scoring in various contest arrangements by
interrogating the apparatus. Of course, the processor 36 simply computes
the various contest arrangements using established formulas or
manipulation to attain the results. For example, in a nassau arrangement
between players A and B, the status, for example, after a given hole would
be indicated by allotting the player's handicap to the holes played and
appropriately subtracting strokes from his score as appropriate. The
differences between the two results of such computation for the individual
players would then indicate the status of play at that time. Of course,
such computations are well known and variously applied in accordance with
established standards and customs to score various competitive
arrangements.
Output operations indicative of status are accomplished by using a status
key 74 (FIG. 1). For example, if the status of an arranged contest between
players A and B is desired, the status key 74 is depressed followed by
depression of the key designated "A & B". As a consequence, the
computation is performed in the processor 36 (FIG. 4) and drive signals
are supplied to the display 16 (FIGS. 1 and 4) where the status is
indicated. Of course, the apparatus may also be used to indicate the
individual scores of players, and as explained above, the apparatus may be
operated as a five-function calculator.
In summary, the disclosed embodiment is effective not only for general
calculations, but more to the point of the present invention, to record
the criteria which is used in calculating the status of competitive
arrangements and also to record the results of the game and display such
results in the form of precise information on any of a wide variety of
competitive arrangements.
It is to be noted, that certain of the keys in the keyboard 18 have
specialized functions which have not been treated in detail herein. In
that regard, such keys may be used for operations which are not
significant to the present invention. Of course, certain keys also have
dual functions as in the case of the "%" key which is used both as a code
in golf transactions and in its normal function for the calculator. Other
keys are not used in the golfing application. Specifically, neither the
decimal point "." key nor the equals sign "=" key are used in golfing
applications. The clear entry key CE and the clear key C have their
conventional function both in golfing and computing operations.
The key designated "SAVE" extinguishes power for the display 16 (FIG. 3)
and certain other selective circuits which results in conservation of
energy. Normally, the key designated "SAVE" will be depressed in actually
beginning the play for a hole of golf. At the conclusion of the hole, the
key designated "REF" (refresh) will be actuated to fully re-energize the
system.
In summary, it may be seen that an apparatus of the present invention as
described with respect to a disclosed embodiment, affords a convenient and
practical system for recording and calculating the consequences of the
game of golf. Of course, the system may be variously implemented in forms
substantially different from the disclosed embodiment, particularly in
view of the continuing development of RAMs, ROMs, and microprocessors.
Consequently, the scope hereof is deemed to be as set forth in the claims
as follows.
* * * * *
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