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Description  |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method of guiding parties of golfers around a
golf course.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is a waste of time for many golfers to wait for slower golfers on the
golf course to vacate a hole in order for the waiting golfers to be able
to continue play. This occurs, for example, when groups on a golf course
are heterogeneous in the number of players, their relative skill and other
characteristics which affect skill. This situation is contrary to an ideal
shared by all golfers, that golf matches should be composed of the same
number of players, and that they play at the same speed so that each of
the holes can be played in the same amount of time enabling the numerical
sequence defined by the course to be followed. Unfortunately, this is the
exception rather than the rule because on any golf course the golf groups
are often heterogeneous in the number of players, their skill and/or other
characteristics. Because of the heterogeneity, it is impossible for the
groups to play at the same speed. Therefore, play is delayed.
Players may choose to resolve the problem of slower players is ultimately
the decision of the players to pass or be passed or to skip holes occupied
by slower players which can culminate in conflicts between groups since
there is no automatic or organized way to solve the problem. Such problems
take away from the fundamental goal of golf, namely to spend a few hours
outdoors while playing the sport the best that one can.
The problem, which is caused by unequal speed of play, occurs on courses of
all sizes. Even on a large course, with only two golf parties, the problem
still exists. Sooner or later, the faster group will catch up with the
slower group. The faster group will continue to play behind the slower one
or ask for permission to pass. The group that is ahead makes the decision
as to whether or not the following group can pass, which causes
displeasure or approval of the former and makes the latter uneasy. The
faster group may then choose to skip that hole and come back to it later
when they have the opportunity.
As the number of groups increases, the problem becomes more acute and the
number of situations, like those described above, increase. This produces
chaos and displeasure among the players. If the numerical order of the
holes is always adhered to, all of the groups are forced to play at the
pace of the slower groups.
On some courses, usually the public courses, the management tries to
homogenize the matches as much as possible by making all the groups equal
in number. This may produce groups which are not harmonious and may be
unpleasant for the players. This method, however, does not guarantee that
the groups play at the same pace, nor that the problem sought to be
corrected does not arise.
It is clear that a problem exists because of the variance in speed of each
group that plays on a given course. This problem has been a part of golf
for most of its existence, and despite its negative effects it is
considered to be a natural consequence of playing golf.
Remedio et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,677, describes a golf score recording
system and network. The system provides automated score keeping operated
from a golf cart or other mobile unit. Several golf courses may be
connected into one system and player profiles may be generated and
retrieved. There is no disclosure of a system for playing holes in a
variable order.
The patent to Dudley, U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,634, describes a golf information
system which automatically provides golfers with golf course location
information including yardage from several locations to the nearest green.
The informational tags recognized by the computer may be buried in the
ground along paths traveled by a golf cart or in other non-obtrusive
positions. The system could also carry information concerning speed of
play and other messages, such as advertising messages.
The two patents to Matthews, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,086,390 and 5,097,416,
describe systems for monitoring play of golfers. U.S. Patent No. 5,086,390
describes a system for monitoring the speed of play of golfers for
purposes of utilization of golf carts and golf holes and also for warning
players who are habitually slow that their rate of play should be
increased to avoid disruption to others. A mobile transmitter is described
which sends location signals responsive to the position of a golfer. The
signals may be received by a mobile receiver. U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,416
describes a related system in which a player is alerted when play at a
hole has exceeded the designated time for playing that hole. The location
of the player is monitored and means are described for determining the
length of actual elapsed time for each hole compared with a predetermined
playing time for the subject hole.
None of these patents suggest a system for controlling the order in which
the holes of a golf course are played according to measured conditions of
speed of play and/or convenience according to the situation of the course.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The system of the invention is a unique system based on a technique that
automatically and efficiently manages the parties that are playing on a
golf course; the technique employs a logic that does not necessarily
follow the numerical sequence of the holes on the golf course. Other
objectives can also be met.
The invention is a computer based system for guiding golfers around a golf
course. The holes are played in the order designated by the system
according to the situation on the golf course when the players are ready
to start playing a new hole. A player inserts a card into a terminal on a
golf course and is instructed, for example, by instructions received on a
video monitor, as to the hole which is the most logical and convenient for
play to begin for his group. At the end of that hole, the card is inserted
into a terminal adjacent to the green on which play has been completed,
and instructions are provided as to the next hole to be played. The
players in the group proceed to the designated tee, as instructed, and
play the hole. The process is repeated to find the next hole to play, etc.
The computer system keeps a record of holes played, so that each hole is
played, even if out of normal sequence.
The system also allows players to call in to a central monitor for services
required or desired, such as calling for emergency medical services or
calling for beverages to be brought.
The techniques, methods, procedures, and technical innovations that
characterize the different components of the invention were conceived for
the purpose of eliminating the inherent problem in the game of golf that
the holes must conventionally be played in a predetermined numerical
sequence (from hole 1 through hole 18) which does not take into
consideration the speed of play. This produces less than optimum use of
the course, preventable delays and, in many cases, displeasure among the
players.
The system uses a computer program which contains comprehensive information
about the course characteristics and about the golf matches in play. In
use, the program automatically allows analysis of the current situation on
the golf course as soon as the program is supplied with information of a
new party that will be playing. The new players tee off from the hole
indicated by the system for beginning the round of golf. The program
incorporates and responds to any new situation created on the golf course.
The technological and informational ability guarantees intelligent
management of play since problems that arise are solved by means of a
constant and rapid flow of information between the golfers, the starter,
the grounds staff and the management. This is achieved by strategically
placing instruments around the course that transmit directly to the
central computer of the system. The system allows discreet organization of
play without jeopardizing the pleasure of the game enjoyed by the
players.. The system also ensures that the course is fully utilized
because the starting of one party is coordinated with the finishing of
another party. When there are a great number of players waiting to start
on a typical golf course of 18 holes with a par of 72, use of the system
allows the start of up to 18 simultaneous parties, while putting into play
up to 144 golfers in a time span of 15 minutes if parties tee off every 7
to 8 minutes. Thus, a normal golf course can be played by more than 580
golfers in a 12 hour period.
In managing parties, the system adheres to the traditions of play by
applying universally accepted criteria of the game of golf and other
criteria dictated by logic, aesthetics, and golf etiquette. The system can
also initiate some maintenance tasks without interrupting a golf match.
Further, the system has the capability to detect abnormalities in the
golfers' play, and call attention to these facts.
The system of the invention offers new benefits to the golfer as well as to
the management. To the golfer, it offers play without delay, pressure, and
without having to make decisions unrelated to the game. Golfers are able
to begin play as soon as arriving at the golf course, and are able to be
located anywhere on the course at any given time.
The management may organize multiple starts, simultaneously, from different
holes to take advantage of the maximum capabilities of the facilities,
while increasing efficiency. Maintenance tasks can be adequately planned.
The matches on the golf course are all under complete control of the
system. Likewise, a data base can be produced and maintained of all
activities that take place on the golf course.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of part of a golf course showing components of a
system of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an input screen for entering data concerning
a party of golfers.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a typical format specifying the important
characteristics of a golf course.
FIG. 4(a) is a plan view of a personal identification device.
FIG. 4(b) is a plan view of another personal identification Revice.
FIG. 4(c) is a plan view of a further personal identification device.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of components of the tee area port, green area
port, service area port and related monitors.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the connections between the main
components of the system.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the tee area port, green area port and service
area port.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the architecture of the TAP, CAP and SAP.
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the state machine functional scheme used for
executing the software commands of the TAP, GAP and SAP.
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for a real time task execution table and real
time task execution procedure.
FIG. 11 is a port interface block diagram.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram for the central processing unit.
FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for the system software program.
FIG. 14 is a further flow diagram for the system software program,
following the flow diagram of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is another flow diagram for the system software program, following
the flow diagram of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a f low diagram showing the algorithmic state machine of the tee
area port, green area port and service area port programs.
FIG. 17 is a f low diagram showing the algorithmic state machine of the tee
area port, green area port and service area port programs, following the
flow diagram of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The system described provides a method of guiding people to multiple events
under a common organization. The system is designed to increase the
efficiency of a golf course and is based on the dynamic and intelligent
technology of guiding golf parties, automatically, which permits the
system to take total control of the distribution of groups on the course
so that these groups may play all of the holes with the least amount of
delay and/or inconvenience. To this effect, a system of the invention
guides the groups to each of the holes, but not necessarily following
their numerical sequence. The management is able to use the golf course
efficiently and economically because the system of the invention
frequently monitors the groups on the golf course and analyzes changes in
the situation caused, for example, by players beginning and ending holes.
The distribution of the groups on the course is designated in an impersonal
and automatic fashion. The system is always aware of the details of each
golf party and the details of how many people are in each party (twosome,
threesome, foursome), the average handicap of each player, of what sex or
sexes the groups are comprised, the average age of the party (youth,
adult, middle-aged, or elderly), from which hole play began, which holes
have been played, which holes are left to play, and other factors of the
course.
FIG. 1 illustrates a golf course in which the components of the Intelligent
Golf Parties Guidance System are installed. The tee area port 11, green
area port, 12 and service area port 13 are set up for use by players and
management adjacent a tee 17, green 18 and service area 14, respectively.
The club house or starter's room 15 is shown as is the system central
control location 16. A transceiver 19 may be located on a golf cart and/or
on a golf bag and communicates with the central transceiver by antenna 20.
Electromagnetic fields 21, 22 and 23 are located around the tee off area,
putting green area and service area, respectively. The system central
control 16 is connected to the ports 11, 12, 13 by communication means 24.
FIG. 2 shows the how the data of a golf match appears on screen 25 of the
center of operations of the system. The number of players in a match 26,
their names 27, sex 28, average score 29, and the designated team captain
30. The captain, who is responsible for the group, can be chosen by the
criteria of choice by the management, for example, the best player in the
group, the only club member, the oldest, etc.
Other data shown in FIG. 2, such as starting date and time 31, starting
hole 32, party handicap 33 and party number 34, are respectively
calculated and/or generated by the system. The estimated age of the party
35 (young, adult, middle-aged or elderly) may be supplied by the party or
estimated by the starter. The system forecasts play according to these
characteristics and also "learns" certain aspects of a group's
characteristics according to the play on the course. The system is
intelligent and updates itself by its own observations.
The system contains all of the necessary characteristics of the golf
course, such as the distribution of the holes, the network of
intercommunication, the topography of the landscape, the location of
different services, the handicap of each hole, and the "delay factor" of
the hole.
The delay factor is a new concept in the world of golf. It refers to
factors, apart from the handicap of the hole, that can produce delays in
the game, such as searching for a lost ball in high grass or in water
hazards, temporary or permanent restrictions in certain areas, and any
other fixed or circumstantial characteristics of the hole.
FIG. 3 illustrates how relevant information about the tees and putting
greens of holes 1 to 18, the starter area and service areas SA1, SA2, SA3,
and SA4, and the delay factor of each hole are represented on a typical
course. The overall accessibility is graded from "A" to "J", "A" being the
easiest, "J" being the hardest, the accessibility being measured by
distance and other factors that indicate the proximity of a green, a
service area or a starter to any tee area. The delay factor is also
represented by the letters "A" to "J", "A" being the lowest delay factor
and "J" the highest. For example, the delay factor on hole 3 is "A" (very
low). Hole 13 has a delay factor of "E" (moderate) and hole 16 has a delay
factor of "J" (very high). It is also illustrated that the accessibility
from hole 4 to hole 3 is "A" (very easy), from hole 4 to hole 5 is "F"
(moderate) , from hole 1 to hole 13 is "J" (impractical), from the starter
to hole 6 is "B" (fairly easy) and from hole 17 to hole 9 is "C" (easy).
Based on the characteristics of the course and the group, the system can
deduce how the normal progress of play of that party is expected to be.
When a system of the invention is newly incorporated into a course, its
"knowledge" is limited to the input by the management. Nevertheless, the
system is adaptable which allows calculation of changes according to the
behavior of groups on the course. This serves to actualize the program,
and constantly to seek new information that will improve the
administration of the golf course.
A course equipped with a system of the invention allows faster groups to
play quickly, though not necessarily in the traditional, numerical order.
In many cases, the system will designate that a group starts from a hole
other than hole 1. After checking the course, the system will choose the
hole most convenient for that particular group to start.
The system allows many groups to tee off, simultaneously, from different
holes. This eliminates the need to reserve a "time". In practice, the
system enables groups to begin play as soon as they arrive at the course
and are ready to start.
On a typical 18-hole golf course with a course rating of 72 handicap, the
system can order the start of up to 18 simultaneous parties, with one
party starting every 7 to 8 minutes, thus putting up to 144 players into
play in about 15 minutes. Thus on a normal golf course it is possible to
serve up to 580 golfers in a 12 hour day.
The system offers an intelligent and rational way of playing the game
without compromising its charm nor altering its rules, while the course is
used to its full potential. The system introduces a subtle technique that
permits the players to deviate from the traditional method of play. The
system respects the traditions of play to the extent that it is possible.
For example, a normal party, which the system defines as a foursome that
plays at a moderate speed, may play all of the holes on the course in
numerical order. The sequence could begin at the hole 1 and end at hole 18
provided that the distribution of the groups around the course permitted
it, or if the foursome is willing to wait for the right moment, which
occurs frequently.
The system allows adherence to the universally accepted rules of play, and
other rules dictated by logic and etiquette, and even by the aesthetics of
the game. For example, the system can be programmed to avoid a group
playing two "par 5" holes in a row, or two "par 3" holes in a row. The
system also tries to avoid a group starting on hole 18 or ending on hole
1.
The speed of play based on the initial data of the group may be ignored by
the system, if so desired by the management. This would allow a twosome,
for example, to play at a relatively slow pace. In this case, the system
does not hurry the group because the information has been input to the
system. However, if the group decides to speed up play they simply inform
the system of this request, and it replies by indicating where to proceed.
The system is also capable of effecting certain maintenance tasks, such as
watering a hole when it is not in use. The system can also select that a
hole will remain unoccupied for a certain period of time.
Abnormal behavior in a group can be detected and brought to the group's
attention. For example, if a group plays at a slower speed than
corresponds to its characteristics, without having been authorized by the
management, the group is automatically informed of this by the system. If
the group does not comply with the instructions provided by the system,
the system advises the management and a person can go to the site where
the problem occurs.
Play on a golf course using the system allows a golfer to play without
delays or pressure, and without having to make decisions unrelated to
golf, thus allowing the player to enjoy golf to the fullest. The need to
reserve a "tee off" time is eliminated and play can begin play as soon as
the of golfers arrive at the course. The players can be located anywhere
on the course at any given time, eliminating the need for cellular phones,
"beepers", or other devices that can interfere with the game.
Among the advantages offered to the management by use of the system are the
flexibility to allow multiple groups to tee off simultaneously from
different holes, eliminating needless delays as well as the ability to use
the resources of the course to the fullest potential in a very short
period of time, keeping the players happy. Course maintenance and customer
service tasks can also be planned and carried out efficiently. The
management can be completely informed of all the developments on the
course and can have complete control over such developments at all times.
The management can also, advantageously, compile a database of itemized
information of the activities on the course whenever desired or needed.
Such information can cover every detail of the course from the date that
the system is installed.
To yield the maximum benefits of the system, the course must meet the
following guidelines: the mode of transportation must be by self-propelled
carts; the course must have signs and directions so that the players may
easily orient themselves on the course; and the players must be able to
move easily from one hole to another. The course must also have pathways
that allow relatively easy access to any of the holes.
Use of the system is not limited to courses that are not equipped with self
propelled carts. Courses in which the players move on foot can also
install the system. Even though the system would operate under different
circumstances, the same objectives of efficient use of the course up to
its maximum potential would still be met.
FIG. 6 illustrates a packet formed primarily by a software program which is
adaptable to any golf course, a series of parts, and hardware all of which
are interconnected. These can be modified according to the buyer's
requirements and the course characteristics.
The elements of the system are as follows. The System Software Program
(SSP) 16 is an expert system designed for each golf course according to
its characteristics, the goals of the management, and the universally
accepted rules of the game of golf. FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 illustrate the
basic flow diagrams for the SSP.
The Party Identification Device (PID) may, for a 9, be a card resembling a
credit card, as shown in FIG. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c). The PID 36', 36" shown
in these Figures is a mechanically, electromechanically, magnetically, or
optically coded device that contains information about a specific party of
golfers which is used to communicate with the system. A PID is
conveniently placed in a shirt or pants pocket, is lightweight and compact
and can be disposable.
In one different version of the system, the PID is replaced by a "secret
code" personal identification number 39 which is only revealed to the
members of the party. The PID is that which identifies a party, be it a
physical element or not.
A Party Identification Maker (PIM) 48 is a machine or procedure that
produces a PID, shown in FIG. 6.
A Tee Area Port (TAP) 11 is an electronic device permanently installed near
the tees 17 of the holes, illustrated in FIG. 1. The function of a TAP 11
is to read the information on a PID 36, communicate with the system 16,
display messages for the party on a small screen 42, and to send reports
about the party to the system by means of buttons and keys 41 that are
designated for different types of reports. The party presents the PID to
the TAP at the beginning of a hole in order to inform the system that they
are about to begin a hole.
As shown in FIG. 5, TAP 11 is illustrated as a device with a slot in which
to place a card 40, a small screen 42, and a set of buttons 4 1. The
insertion and removal of the card without pressing any buttons informs the
system that the party is about to begin a hole. For a card having a secret
code, a TAP 11'without a slot for receiving a card may be used. Keyboard
41 may be used for either TAP 11 or TAP 11'.
A Green Area Port (GAP) 12 is a similar device to a TAP, but it is located
near the putting greens 18. The party inserts the PID into the GAP to
inform the system when they have finished the hole. The system, after
receiving information from the party and having analyzed the playing
situation on the golf course, sends to the GAP the information as to which
hole the party should proceed. Insertion and removal of the card without
pressing any buttons informs the system that the party has finished the
hole.
A Service Area Port (SAP) 13 is a similar device to a GAP and a TAP,
strategically installed in service areas 14 from where the parties may
report the events that are described below.
An Emergency Report (EMR) 43 is a command that is available from any GAP,
TAP, or SAP which permits a player, after having presented a PID, to
report any emergency that arises on the golf course. The system
immediately notifies the management of the situation so that appropriate
measures can be taken.
A Quit Report (QTR) 43 is similar to an EMR. In order to be activated, a
PID must be presented by a party wishing to suspend play before finishing
the round. The system enters the suspension of play of that party.
A Resume Report (RRR) 45 is similar to an EMR and QTR. This report is used
when the party wishes to resume the temporarily suspended play. Once the
system receives a request to resume play, it indicates where the party may
resume play taking note of the holes already completed by the party.
Ranger Presence Requirement (RPR) 46 is a command initiated by a party by
presenting the PID. This command calls for the presence of a course
official at a specific site.
The System Control Center (SCC) 16 is a group of electronic equipment
located where the SSP is. The GAP, TAP and SAP supply data to the SCC for
processing. The SCC includes the PIM 48 where the PID are produced.
The Communication Means (COM) 24 is the means by which the ports of the
GAP, TAP and SAP are connected to the SCC. The communication may be by
electrical cable, by fiber optic cable, or by radio waves.
As shown schematically in FIG. 6, the SCC communicates with management 49
to effect maintenance tasks 50, provide services, and send the management
to those places on the course where their presence is required. In FIG. 6,
the diagram shows the components of the system, other related equipment,
and the connections therebetween.
The system described is sufficiently powerful to develop more sophisticated
and advanced versions.
The method in which Intelligent Golf Matches Guidance system functions in
practice is as follows. As soon as the players tell the person in charge
of starting play that they are ready to begin playing, they are asked for
the information needed, such as name 27, number of players 26, sex of the
players 28, and their average score 29. If the players wish to play
certain holes or a certain number of holes, they should inform the starter
which holes they wish to play.
An important piece of information is the age of the players In order not to
pester the players by asking them this information, this matter may be
left to the starter's judgement. The players May be categorized as young,
adult, middle-aged, or elderly, on a scale from 1 through 4, 1 being the
youngest.
The starter enters the information in the system which, in turn, seeks the
best starting hole for the players based on the information entered. The
system arranges a logical sequence of play, not necessarily in numerical
order, so that the golfers have few interruptions. Immediately afterwards,
the PID 36 is given to the players. The PID indicates the hole from which
the players will initially tee off. The golfers are given one or several
identical copies of the PID.
The process of gathering data from the players and entering it into the
system can be done in several ways. The players may report the information
to the starter who will automatically enter it into the System Control
Center. The players may also fill out a form with their personal
information and give it to the Starter who will enter it into the SCC.
Alternatively, the players may enter the data in multiple terminals that
are available for this purpose.
On arrival at a designated hole, the players present their PID to the TAP,
signaling that they will begin playing the hole. This information is
received, stored and processed by the SCC. At this point the TAP may or
may not display any relevant messages. After finishing the hole, the
players present the PID to the GAP, indicating the end of the hole. The
GAP sends this information to the SCC to be processed and immediately
displays a message to the players indicating the hole to be played next.
This process should be repeated at every hole. Presentation of the PID to
the GAP, TAP, and SAP is a very simple procedure.
If the players try to play a different hole than the one to which they were
assigned at any given time, the TAP at the unassigned hole will remind
them of the assigned hole at which play should be continued. In the same
way, if a group of players present the PID to an incorrect GAP, the GAP
will indicate to them which hole they have just played and to which GAP
the PID must be presented.
If the players decide to temporarily or permanently interrupt their game,
without having finished all the holes, for example, in case of fatigue or
rain, they should activate, prior to the presentation of the PID, the Quit
Report 44, to inform the system of their decision. If necessary, it will
revise the distribution of the different groups on the course.
If a group of players suspends their game temporarily and then decides to
continue their game, they must activate the Resume Report 45 in any TAP,
GAP, or SAP, and should wait for instructions from the system. The system
has stored the holes played and determines which holes they should be
played next. In such a situation, there may be a delay in reinitiating the
game.
In case of an emergency on the course which could alter any of the
different groups' play, a group should present a PID to the TAP, GAP, or
SAP nearest to them to activate an Emergency Report 43. Immediately
afterwards, the system informs the management in order for them to take
the necessary measures. If it is convenient, The system will reorganize
the groups on the course accordingly.
If a group of players that has been authorized to play at a speed slower
than their capability, they may choose to play at a faster rate. This is
accomplished by-activating a Resume Report 45 in the system. When the
system receives a Resume Report from a group without having a prior Quit
Report from that group, it automatically determines that the group wants
to speed up the game. In a course which is not being utilized to its full
extent, the management may choose to allow players to play at their own
pace. When a group of players wishes to speed up play, or to pass another
group, they request a Resume Report so that the system, in a logical,
impersonal, and organized fashion, can decide their order of play at an
increased speed.
If one or more parties wish to change their configuration, for example if a
twosome and a foursome want to become two threesomes, the groups involved
must request a Quit Report 44 and a Ranger Presence Requirement (RPR) 46
in order to request that the system send a representative of the
management to inform him of their intent. This representative will in turn
inform the system so that the necessary procedures be carried out for
updating the information in the system, so that the players may be
informed of where to proceed.
If any group of players modifies its configuration without informing the
Starter, the system will not know of the change. If, for example, a
twosome becomes a foursome, slowing down the speed of play, the system
detects this delay and will alert the party that they must speed up play.
If a group has been playing too slowly, without management's
authorization, the system can request that the group speed up play or
allow faster parties to play through by means of the TAP or GAP. If the
group persists in playing at a slower speed, the system notifies the
proper authorities to solve the problem according to rules established by
the management.
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