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Description  |
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An appendix of 31 microfiche and 1000 pages is attached to this
specification and is contained in the file wrapper of this patent.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates computer systems and methods for use in the game of
golf, particularly to a computer method for creating a universal golf
course to enable accurate and graphic display of shot accuracy and
distance for each club used in an actual round of golf to help players
improve performance.
BACKGROUND
2. Description of Prior Art
Golfers strive continually to improve their play, i.e., lower their scores.
One major way they do this is to record data about actual play of a round
of golf on a course and thereafter analyze the results at home.
In order to utilize the results of a round of golf to help improve
performance, a golfer had been forced to keep handwritten documentation of
all shots played. Then the golfer had been faced with the difficult and
time-consuming task of manually organizing the data and breaking down the
results achieved with each club.
College golf coaches also use various methods of recording statistical data
for their student players in an attempt to improve individual and team
performance. As this normally requires considerable time and effort on the
part of the students to complete data sheets, many of them dislike the
task. Generally, the student's data sheets are sent to a data processor
and several days elapse before the results are known. The results come
back in the form of printouts which generally include information such as
average score per round, average number of putts per round, number of
birdies (holes played in one stroke under par), etc. However, the results
are delayed and normally not available for use during a current
tournament. Also, nothing is provided regarding accuracy and distance
accomplishments with each club used in play. It is generally acknowledged
that knowing proper club selection, and knowing one's average distance
with each club, can help to improve one's performance at all levels of
playing proficiency.
Computer games have been offered which provide entertainment for computer
players to test their computer skills against the hypothetical playing of
famous golf courses around the world. In some of these games, each hole
has been meticulously duplicated so the computer player can get a feel of
the golf course.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,055 to Wells (1985) shows an electronic video game
adapted for use to play a simulated game of golf. Wells's game is a
competitive one where the players compete on a fixed course and play by
selecting clubs, directions, and strengths of shots. This machine plots
successive lays of the ball. However, this type of computer activity
merely provides entertainment and does not aid in the improvement of one's
golf playing ability.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,295 to Mann (1993) shows a computer program and system
for teaching a student how to play a game, specifically golf, in a
superior manner. It compares a video of the student performing with a
model compiled from a plurality of elite performers in order to teach the
student what to do to improve play and emulate the superior model.
Consequently, this system is dependent upon the physical ability,
coordination, and aptitude of the student to correctly emulate the model
in order for the student to improve.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,469 to Kunita et al. (1982) shows a computerized
putting simulator where the computer considers the velocity and hit angle
of the ball on the topography of the green and plots a trajectory of the
putted ball. This putting practicing machine is designed merely to help a
golfer improve putting performance, not general golf play.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,020 to Cormier (1989) shows a hand-held computer
attached to a hand-held cart holding a golfer's bag and clubs. The
computer computes the club to be used on the next stroke based upon
previous strokes and the distances achieved with such clubs. Also, the
remaining distance to the green is computed based upon the distance
traveled thus far, which is measured by a sensor attached to a wheel of
the golf cart. In most competitive college golf tournaments the players
are required to carry their bags and clubs, and if not required, it's a
common practice in high school golf competitions. This fact, plus the
increasing use and requirement of motorized riding carts on most golf
courses, limits the practical application of the Cormier device. In
addition, Rule 14-3 of The Rules of Golf (The U.S. Golf Association, Jan.
1, 1992) states: "Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated
round the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment:
. . . b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions
which might affect his play . . . ". Thus, Cormier's device may be illegal
in USGA tournaments.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,791 to Poillon et al. (1991) shows a system for use
indoors to simulate outdoor play. The player hits the ball into a frame
which has a hole of the real golf course projected on a screen in the rear
of the frame. The computer senses the characteristics of the hit ball,
including trajectory, velocity, and spin, and computes the actual travel
it could take on the real course in an unimpeded environment which may or
may not simulate varying conditions such as wind, rain, and temperature
under actual playing conditions. Pictures of holes of a plurality of real
courses are stored in the computer on a CD-ROM.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,082 to Curchod (1993) shows a system very similar to
Poillon's, but where the player's shots are enhanced by a predetermined
factor in order that the player will be competitive with other players.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,630 to Speiser et al. (1978) shows a computer-type golf
game which works in conjunction with a slide projector to present
successive scenes of the course and hole in play, hole distances, and lays
of the ball, and completion (yards to go) to the pin. Speiser describes an
unrealistic simulation whereby an out-of-bounds drive occurs when a ball
hits a side wall of the drive range with an insufficient impetus on the
rebound to activate the net switches. This example clearly illustrates a
difference between simulated golf play and real golf play. In actual play
such a shot may or may not result in an out-of-bounds situation. Most
golfers readily agree that hitting golf balls during actual play on a
course, especially in competition, is different from hitting balls on a
driving range, or taking practice swings at an imaginary or real target
such as a dandelion, or taking golf swings in a simulated environment.
Further, distances representing hits measured by these simulators are not
hits of golf balls during actual golf play subject to usual variances in
temperature, wind, and other atmospheric conditions. Instead, they are
simulations which are physically measured by various types of sensing
devices including sound wave detectors, and sensors measuring velocity,
trajectory, and spin of the ball.
Also, these systems require simulation of play on specific golf courses.
Because each golf course throughout the world is different from other
courses in layout, design, and distances for each hole, it is exceedingly
difficult to duplicate each layout as an instructional aid in the teaching
of golf. To meet the needs of all golfers across the country, a great deal
of time and expense would be required to enable the system to simulate the
varied and numerous courses. The cost of these devices practically
prohibit the average, individual golfer from owning and using or
practicing with such devices. In addition to the relative high cost of
such devices for individual golfers, most golfers prefer actual play
rather than simulations of play.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,494 to Baumoel (1972) shows a handicap computer which
takes into account the previous scores of the player and the courses where
these scores were posted. This computer uses a punch card for input, which
by today's standards, is impractical or obsolete. Handicaps are used to
equalize competition, generally among members of golf clubs. For example,
a scratch (zero) handicap player will give a seven handicap player seven
strokes to equalize play in a round of golf. Other than indicating
relative playing proficiency compared to other golfers, this device does
nothing to improve a golfer's playing ability.
Sports Performance Research of Loveland, Colo. provides a computer
statistical quality control system (1992) for golfers which presents a
method of recording the distance of a golf shot, prior to making the shot,
based on a player's estimate of the distance from the ball location to a
target. In many cases, especially on a golf course with which a player is
unfamiliar, such an estimate could be inadequate. This statement is
verified by the user's manual which states: "If you can't make a good
estimate of the distance, it is better to leave this column blank than to
enter a poor guess."
Another instruction states: "Make an entry in the Yards to Target column
whenever you can make a reasonable estimate of the distance from your ball
to the pin." In view of the fact that pin locations are regularly moved
daily, unless a player is informed of the exact location of each pin on
each green, accurate estimates are further impaired.
In addition, the calculation of distances is further complicated by the
requirement: "If you are making a shot from behind the green, enter a
minus sign in front of the distance you enter. This notation tells GolfSQC
[the associated program] your previous shot was hit too far."
This system uses a data gathering procedure requiring the use of specific,
detailed Stroke Logging Charts and uses charts and graphs to display
results of individual golf play. The system creates a profile of a
golfer's game so the golfer can compare performance with a profile of
professional golfers and others; however, the user's manual warns: "if
less than 50% of your holes don't fit the templates or the round estimates
are a lot different than your typical scores, GolfSQC probably isn't for
you."
Studying charts and graphs offer little appeal or interest for most
athletes or golfers, especially young people. This is an important
consideration in the design of a golf improvement system. Many leading
golf teachers feel, that in order to reach top levels of performance in
golf, students must develop interest and be encouraged at a relatively
early age.
AV Systems, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. provides a computer game (1992)
which can simulate several courses with several players.
Focus/2000 and Golfmaster/2000 of Shawnee, Kan. (1990,1992) provide a
computer program for calculating and retaining scores for a day or a
season. It can record hole and stroke play, golfer statistics, etc.
However, both of the latter two games suffer from most of the disadvantages
of the devices of the above-described patents.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly several objects and advantages of the present system are:
(a) to provide an appealing, relatively low cost, time efficient, and
easy-to-use system, which provides the capability for analysis of a
current day's play with a complete performance analysis of individual and
team players for a round of golf played on any eighteen-hole course in the
world;
(b) to provide a universal golf hole which facilitates the foregoing object
and which can be used to simulate any golf hole in the world;
(c) to provide a playback capability, i.e., a record which can be reviewed
upon demand and provide a graphical picture of each shot location in a
round to aid a player's memory recall and visualization of each shot;
(d) to provide, as a result of the foregoing object, the means to enable
any golfer, including professional golfers, to recall how they played the
same course a previous year;
(e) to provide reports and graphical pictures of shot accuracy, e.g.,
approach shots to the green from distances ranging from 1 to 200 yards;
(f) to provide accurate information to help a golfer learn the average and
maximum distances the golfer can hit each club under playing conditions,
and
(g) to provide a system that will operate on standard microcomputers widely
available and easily accessible at relatively low cost to help golfers of
all handicaps improve performance.
Several additional objects and advantages are:
(h) to provide reports on demand to enable golfers to evaluate progress or
improvement; and
(i) to provide a teaching/learning tool for a player, coach, or teaching
professional which is fun to use.
Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of
the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a scorecard used by a player during actual
play of a round of golf to record information for subsequent entry into a
computer system, in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a computer system with a display and keyboard
showing a main menu which provides options offered by the system.
FIG. 3A is an illustration of a computer screen showing a first view of a
universal golf hole, in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 3B is an illustration of a computer screen showing a second view of
the universal golf hole and the accuracy of approach shots to the center
of the green with distance measurements in yards.
FIG. 3C is an illustration of a computer screen showing a third view of the
universal golf hole which illustrates a green with distance measurements
in feet.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a screen selected from the main menu showing
the accuracy of approach shots to the pin from distances ranging up to 200
yards from the center of the green, including accuracy measurement of the
shots within 1-2 feet.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a Results and Analysis report selected from
the main menu.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a Club Distances report selected from the main
menu. FIG. 7 is an illustration of a golf hole with a curved fairway,
commonly referred to as a dogleg.
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REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
______________________________________
01 strokes to reach green
02 problem identification
03 optional notation
04 hit fairway or green
05 clubs used to reach green
06 distance to center of
07 distance to center of
green after shot #1 green after shot #2
08 distance of putt #1
09 number of putts
10 yardage markers 11 green
12 fairway 13 tee box
14 golf ball 15 200 yard fairway
16 width of fairway 17 shot-by-shot display
18 hole number 19 hole yardage
20 information on golf
21 enter data for a round
courses played of golf
22 patterns for approach
23 results and analysis
shots to the pin
24 club distances 25 instructions
26 playback
30 distance of putt 31 circumference of green
40 yardage ranges 41 number of attempts to
reach the green
42 club identification codes
50 player identification
51 period covered
52 average figure per round
53 number of rounds
in analysis
54 short game 55 distance of chip/pitches
56 distance of putt after
57 number of chip/pitches
chip/pitch
58 number of chip/pitch
59 percentage of chip/pitch
saves saves
60 number of sand shot
61 number of sand shot saves
attempts
62 percentage of sand saves
63 number of putts per round
64 number of putts per hole
65 percentage of total putts
from four distance ranges
66 percentage of one putts
67 ball striking
from each distance range
68 percentage of fairways
69 percentage of greens
hit in regulation
70 hole performance based
71 correctable swings
on comparison to par
72 average number of
73 a type of correctable
correctable swings swing (slice)
80 display monitor 81 computer with memory
82 keyboard 83 exit to dos
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SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, we provide a golf play analysis
system which is operated on a hand-held, laptop, or a standard desktop
microcomputer with a screen and data entry keys. The screen of the
computer provides a diagram of a universal golf course which can portray
any golf hole, regardless of shape or size. The computer's keys are used
to enter data about the game, including the measurements of the course,
clubs used, and shots made on each hole, etc. The system records and
displays the recorded data so that a player can analyze and improve
current play and also past games to improved future play.
DESCRIPTION--FIG. 1--SCORECARD
The present system is used to record data about and analyze a golfer's game
and then improve the golfer's game. During actual play, specific
information is recorded during or after the play of each hole and
therafter the data is entered into the system and it provides selective
outputs which help the golfer analyze and improve performance.
FIG. 1 illustrates a sample paper or cardboard scorecard, similar to a
standard scorecard (not shown), which shows specific items recorded.
Proficient golfers develop an ability to remember most of the shots and
details from a round of golf and may not necessarily require written
notation of all items shown in FIG. 1. However, the scorecard of FIG. 1 is
organized in the order of data entry required by the system. Therefore,
use of written data on a scorecard similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1
will facilitate and, in most cases, lessen the time required for data
entry into the computer system. The scorecard has been partially completed
with data of a player's performance on hole #1 of a course and will now be
reviewed.
Row 01 (Strokes to Gr) illustrates that three strokes were taken on hole #1
to reach the green.
Row 02 (Probs? Y/N) illustrates that yes (Y), the player had a problem with
or considered shot #1 to be less than satisfactory and thus noted the
problem with the identification Y1 (Y=yes; 1=shot #1).
Row 03 illustrates an optional note made by the player that the problem on
Row 02 with the shot was caused by a "pull."
Row 04 (Hit F/G Y/N) illustrates that yes (Y) the player's tee shot landed
in the fairway.
Row 05 (Club Used) illustrates that a 1-Iron (1) was used for shot #1, a
2-Iron (2) was used for shot #2, and a Pitching Wedge (W) was used for
shot#3.
Row 06 (Dist 1) illustrates that the distance remaining to the center of
the green after shot #1 was 228 yards. The player obtained this distance
as explained below.
Row 07 (Dist 2) illustrates that the distance remaining to the center of
the green after shot #2 was estimated by the player to be 106 yards.
Row 08 (Putt 1) illustrates that the distance of the first putt was 30
feet.
Row 09 (Number Putts) illustrates that the player took one putt to complete
play of the hole.
During play the golfer refers to existing yardage markers which are
provided on most courses to measure the distance remaining to the center
of the green. This measurement clarifies a key concept in using the
system, which on each shot until the player reaches the green is: "How far
is my ball from the center of the green?" (This concept is modified
slightly on par 5 holes over 475 yards. Where necessary on par 5 holes,
the player or player's caddy will pace (measure) the distance of the drive
and note the distance on the scorecard with an identifying "T", i.e. 237T,
to indicate the shot was measured 237 yards from the tee. When the data is
entered into the computer system, on holes over 475 yards, the system will
provide a graphic reference line of 200 yards from the tee for the player
to use in placing the location of the tee shot.)
Normally on most holes, the golfer will note the location of each shot
relative to the nearest yardage marker by either stepping off or
estimating the variance from the marker. This is a common practice by most
proficient golfers anyway, and thus does not alter a golfer's traditional
habits and concentration which is so important and vital to good
performance in competitive golf.
The scorecard of FIG. 1 is specially printed for use with the present
system; however, this scorecard is not a requirement of the system. A
standard scorecard (not shown), available at any golf course, can easily
be modified or adapted for recording the data illustrated in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION--FIG. 2--COMPUTER
Normally, at a convenient time following the actual round of golf, the data
on the sample scorecard is entered into a computer system which has been
programmed to perform the functions discussed below.
A computer 81 (FIG. 2) having a keyboard 82 and a display monitor 80 is
programmed with thirty-one mutually interrelated programs and units which
perform all of the functions described and are included in the appendix of
this application in the form of microfiche. The complete object codes of
these programs appear in the microfiche appendix. These programs and units
are written in the Pascal programming language, compiled on the Borland
Pascal Compiler, version 7.0, including the Borland Graphics Interface,
and may be run on a personal computer with hard disk storage, having an
MS-DOS operating system, version 3.2 or greater, with a mouse or trackball
and VGA display capabilities.
To initiate or start the system, at the "C:.backslash." prompt of the
MS-DOS operating system, a player types: "cd.backslash.GOLF." This
instruction means: "Change the directory on disk drive "C" (The hard
drive) to GOLF." This instruction changes the prompt to
"C:.backslash.GOLF>."
The player again types "GOLF" which will bring up the main menu on Screen
80. Main menu 80 illustrates the functions of the master program which
controls all of the programs and units in the system and allows the player
to selectively choose operations.
When an operation is completed the system automatically returns to The main
menu to allow the player to continue with other selections or exit to the
DOS operating system (line 83 of menu ) .
The system is programmed in two versions to accommodate a color or a
black-and-white display.
When the main menu appears on the display a highlight bar is superimposed
over the first or top item on the menu. The highlight bar, indicating
desired selection, may be moved to other selection items by either moving
the mouse or using arrow keys (not shown on keyboard 82)
Item 25 ("INSTRUCTIONS") provides a menu (not shown) of instructions as to
how to proceed and operate the system.
A player will initially proceed by selecting menu item 20 ("INFORMATION ON
GOLF COURSES PLAYED"). This item is selected by moving the highlighting
bar over this menu selection; and, when the mouse button is pressed or the
ENTER key (not shown) is pressed, the computer will display another menu
which includes the item ("ENTER DATA FOR A NEW COURSE NOT IN DATA BASE").
Selection of this item provides specific instructions regarding the
information that must be entered about each golf course played.
Information about a specific course being played, such as name of the
course plus distance and par for each hole, is normally printed on a
standard scorecard (not shown) for the course. Taking the information from
this standard scorecard, the player enters into the system through
keyboard 82 the name of the course, plus the distance and par score for
each of the eighteen holes. Normally, this information is entered only
once for each set of tee boxes for each golf course. Then it is retained
by the system and is available for future use. However, the distance for
each hole can optionally be entered after each round to allow for normal,
minor changes of tee box markers. The system can accommodate course
measurements from several tee boxes, as is common to most golf courses,
i.e., Championship Tees, Regular Men's Tees, Ladies' Tees, etc. For each
round the player enters an identification number, date, comments, and
course name.
The player next selects item 21 ("ENTER DATA FOR A ROUND OF GOLF") from the
main menu. The system then guides the player sequentially, hole by hole,
through an eighteen-hole round of golf. To facilitate data entry, the
system asks the player on each hole to respond to the following requests
presented sequentially in the same order, as illustrated in the sample
scorecard (FIG. 1):
1. ENTER NUMBER OF STROKES (incl. PENALTY STROKES) TO REACH GREEN #1. For
example, Row 01 (FIG. 1) illustrates that "3" should be entered through
keyboard 82 (FIG. 2).
2. IF YOU HAD A PROBLEM ON THIS HOLE--SAND, BAD LIE, OBSTRUCTION, HAZARD,
PENALTY, OR POOR SWING, SELECT YES or NO.
If YES is selected, the system brings-up a screen in which the player must
identify the number(s) of the stroke(s) with a problem, i.e., 1st Stroke,
2nd Stroke, etc.
Then the system brings up a screen which asks the player to select the most
applicable description for each problem shot from the following selection
menu: Correctable swing, Sand/bunker shot, Behind tree/obstruction, Hit
tree/obstruction, Bad lie or heavy grass/rough, Out-of-bounds or lost
ball, Lateral or water hazard, Uneven lie, Penalty stroke.
For example, Row 02 (FIG. 1) indicates a problem with the first shot and
that a selection should be made. Optional selection of "Correctable swing"
will bring up a screen which asks the player to select the most applicable
description of the shot pattern: Fade, Draw, Push, Pull, Slice, Hook, Push
Slice, Pull Hook, Fat, Thin, Stub, Top.
Row 03 (FIG. 1) illustrates that Pull should be selected. (This information
is used for analysis purposes.)
After the foregoing information is entered, or if NO is selected, the
system moves on to the next request.
3. DID TEE SHOT HIT FAIRWAY OR GREEN--SELECT YES or NO. For example, Row 04
(FIG. 1) illustrates that YES (Y) should be selected.
4. ENTER, IN SEQUENCE, THE CLUB USED FOR EACH STROKE (NOT incl. PUTTS) ON
THIS HOLE. A penalty stroke is identified on this screen and is treated
the same as a club selection. A menu of club selections is presented to
the player. Row 05 (FIG. 1) illustrates that the 1-Iron (1)should be
selected first followed by selections of the 2-Iron (2) and the Pitching
Wedge (W).
5. ENTER NUMBER OF PUTTS FOR HOLE. Row 09 (FIG. 1) illustrates that "1"
should be entered.
OPERATION--FIG. 3A--SCREEN A--UNIVERSAL HOLE
After entry of the above information for each hole, the system will
automatically display the screen illustrated in FIG 3A, which represents a
first view of a universal golf hole. Hole number 18 and yardage of hole 19
are automatically displayed. Because the length of each hole was
previously entered, Screen A will allow for the length of any golf hole
from the center of a green 11 up to 700 yards measured to the back of a
tee box 13. Fairway 12 represents a fairway width 16 of 100 yards; this is
sufficiently large to simulate the width of any fairway.
A player using the system will quickly realize the important factor of
accurate representations and calculations of distances, especially in
accomplishing the object of determining club distance achievements. No
attempts are made to depict bad lies from contour of the land, or exact
locations of trees and sand traps, etc. Such variances are provided for
under the menu selections previously illustrated. In other words, if a tee
shot lands in a sand trap (not shown in the fairway), the player selects
Sand/Bunker Shot from the menu for the next shot (the shot used for
getting out of the bunker) to identify the problem. Also, if the player is
in a rough which is only 25 yards from the center of the fairway and the
player had a problem with the shot, the problem can be identified as Bad
Lie or Heavy grass/rough similar to the Sand/Bunker Shot described in the
previous sentence. Regardless of where the shot is illustrated on the
screen, the system is designed to accommodate the many variances common to
the game of golf.
Most golf courses have 250-, 200-, 150-, and 100-yard markers 10 on each
fairway indicating the distance from the marker to the center of the
green. As also indicated, during actual play, the player records, by
either stepping off or estimating the distance from the nearest marker
after each shot, on the data card of FIG. 1, the remaining distance in
yards to the center of the green for each shot until the green is reached.
In accordance with the current rules of golf which, for handicap purposes,
limit the player to a maximum of eleven strokes per hole, the system
allows a maximum of seven shots to reach the green and a maximum of four
putts.
As illustrated in FIG. 3A, a green 11 is always located near the top of the
screen. A fairway 12, between the green and tee box 13, will adjust its
length, measured in yards, from the center of the green to the back of tee
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