Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Received 11 October 1999
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DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a system for the
collection of data from remote locations, of particular
application as a golf scoring system but by no means
limited to this use.
Traditionally golfers record their score
progressively on a card. Such scores may be recorded after
the game of golf for later reference, such as for the
calculation of handicaps and so on, by lodging the score
card with a golf club or other authority. Such systems are
time consuming for the golfer and golf club administrator,
insecure, inconvenient if records of a large number of
golfers and their score cards are to be accumulated
centrally, and incapable of providing prompt and
authoritative details to other golfers of correct handicaps
or other statistical information.
It is an object of the present invention,
therefore, to provide a data collection system that can at
least reduce one or more of the above limitations.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a sport or game
progress data collection system including:
an electronic central data collection means for
accumulating, storing and manipulating data;
a plurality of data input means for entering
sport or game progress data remotely, each of said data
input means being provided with data indicative of its
location; and
communications means for communicating between
said data input means and said data collection means,
whereby progress data may be entered by a person into any
of said data input means and wherein progress data so
entered is transmitted to said data collection means and
said data indicative of said respective location of said
respective data collection means.
Preferably said system is to transmit further
data from said data collection means to one or more of said
data input means.
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Preferably each of said data input means includes
identification means for tagging any data entered into said
data input means with a data tag.
Preferably said data collection means includes
memory means for storing said data associated with said
tag.
Preferably said tag indicates an identity of a
person entering said data.
Preferably each of said data input means includes
card reading means for reading a data card.
Thus, data may be entered from a card, or by a
card as well as by other means.
Preferably said card stores said data tag.
Preferably each of said data input means includes
card writing means, for storing data onto a card, whereby
said stored data may be data transmitted from said data
collection means.
Thus, after data is entered into the data input
means and transmitted to the data collection means, it-or
other data. such as data updated on the basis of the
entered data-may be transmitted back to the data input
means and stored onto the card.
Preferably said card writing means comprises a
smart card writing means.
Preferably said card reading means comprises a
smart card reading means.
Preferably each of said data input means is
operable to associate any data entered into said data input
means with a reference read by said smart card reading
means from a smart card.
Preferably said reference corresponds to the
identity of a person entering said data and in possession
of said smart card.
Preferably said data comprises golf score data.
Thus, data-such as a golf score-may be entered
into one of the data input means, but stored centrally.
The data may be identified in the central location
according to any desired criterion, but most preferably
according to the person who has entered the data. This
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identity may be stored on a smart card, or any other
suitable medium, or entered manually by that person.
Preferably each of said data input means includes
a data entry terminal including a keyboard or keypad and
visual display unit.
Thus, data may be entered by means of a keyboard
or keypad, and a visual display can be provided to convey
information to the person, or echo the data being entered.
Preferably each of said data input means includes
a proximity sensing means to detect whey a user approaches
one of said data input means, so that portions of said
system can automatically power up only when required by
said user and to identify the location of said user or of
said data input means.
Thus, this feature will reduce power demands.
Preferably said communication means includes a
wireless communication means.
Thus, although communication may be means of
cables between the data collection means and the data input
means, Where desirable communication can be wireless, with
transmitters attached to each data input means (which may
be mobile).
The present invention further provides a golf
scoring system including:
a central score collection computer for
accumulating, storing and manipulating golf scores:
a plurality of score input terminals for entering
golf scores remotely, each of said teraainals being provided
with data indicative of its location; and
communications means for communicating between
said terminals and said central computer, whereby said
terminals are distributed around a golf course so that
players may enter golf scores into said terminals, and said
terminals may transmit said scores and said data indicative
of said respective location of said respective terminal to
said central computer, and said central computer is
operable to store said scores and calculate cumulative
scores and handicaps.
Preferably said communications means includes
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radio communication means so that said terminals and said
central computer can communicate wirelessly.
Preferably said communication means is a two way
communication means so that said central computer can
transit data including cumulative scores and/or handicaps
to said terminals.
Preferably each of said terminals includes
identification means for tagging each of said scores
entered into said terminals with a corresponding data
identity tag.
Preferably said central com4puter is operable to
store said data identity tags associated with said scores.
Preferably each of said tags indicates an
identity of a person entering the corresponding of said
scores.
Preferably each of said terminals includes a
smart card reader.
Thus. data may be entered from a smart card, or
by a smart card as well as by other means.
Preferably each of said terminals includes a
smart card writer, for storing data onto a smart card.
Preferably said system includes said smart card.
Preferably said stored data is data transmitted
from said central computer, such as cumulative core data or
handicap data.
Thus, after a score is entered into one of the
terminals and transmitted to the central computer, it - or
other data, such as data updated on the basis of the
entered data - may be transmitted back to the terminal and
stored onto the smart card.
Preferably each of said terminals is operable to
associate any data entered into said terminal with a
reference read by said smart card reader from said smart
card.
Preferably said reference corresponds to the
identity of a person entering said a score and in
possession of said smart card.
Thus, a golf score may be entered remotely into
one of the terminals, and stored centrally. The scores may
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be identified in the central computer according to any
desired criterion, but most preferably according to the
person who has entered the score. This identity may be
stored on a smart card, or entered manually by that person.
Preferably each of said terminals includes a data
entry terminal including a keyboard or keypad and visual
display unit.
Preferably each of said terminals includes a
proximity sensor to detect when a player approaches one of
said terminals. so that portions of said system can
automatically power up only when required by said player
and to identify the location of said one of said terminals.
Preferably said central computer is connected to
a computer network so that data stored on said central
computer can be accessed remotely and/or said central
computer can access golf data stored remotely.
Thus, handicap or score information may be shared
with other clubs, or accessed by players from home or
elsewhere.
The present invention still further provides a
golf scoring system including:
a golf course with a club house;
a central score collection computer for
accumulating, storing and manipulating golf scores, located
in said club house;
a plurality of score ir~put terminals for
distribution around said course for entering golf scores
remotely; and
wireless communications means for communicating
between said terminals and said central computer, whereby
golf players may enter their scores progressively into said
terminals and said terminals can transmit said scores and
data indicative of the location of said respective terminal
to said central computer, and said central computer is
operable to store said scores and calculate cumulative
scores and handicaps.
The present invention yet further provides a
method for golf scoring including the steps of:
entering a score remotely into a score input
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transmitting said score and data indicative of
the location of said terminal from said terminal to a
central score collection computer for accumulating, storing
and manipulating golf scores; and
storing said score on said central computer.
Preferably said method includes calculating a
cumulative score by means of said central computer.
Preferably said method includes transmitting said
cumulative score from said central computer to said input
terminal.
Preferably said method iacludes calculating
handicap data by means of said central computer.
Preferably said method includes transmitting said
handicap data from said central computer to said terminal.
Preferably said method includes distributing a
plurality of said input terminals on a golf course.
Preferably said method includes progressively
entering said score after each hole of said golf course.
Preferably said method includes entering
identification data into said input terminal associated
with said score and storing said score and data calculated
therefrom identified by means of said identification data.
Preferably said entering identification data
includes reading said identification data from a smart
card.
Preferably said method further includes storing
said score on said smart card.
In order that the invention may be more clearly
ascertained, preferred embodiments will now be described by
way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a golf
scoring system according to preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
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Figure 2 is a further schematic representation of
the golf scoring system of figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a micro-terminal according to the
embodiment of figure I;
Figure 4 shows a typical deployment of the micro-
terminals of figure 3 according to the embodiment of figure
1;
Figure 5 shows an alternative deployment of a
micro-terminal of figure 3 according to the embodiment of
figure 1; and
Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the
configuration of the system of figure 1.
A golf scoring system according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention is represented schematically at 10
in figure 1. The system IO includes a central data
collection computer 12, located in the clubhouse I4, and
multiple micro-terminals l6a,b,c, located on the golf
course 18. The micro-terminals l6a,b,c communicate with
the computer 12 by radio (not shown), and are generally
located beside each tee (other than the first tee) of golf
course 18 but may also - or instead - be located beside
each green.
The system 10 is also connected to a local
computer network 20, and hence to a handicapping database
22 (which will generally be located at the headquarters of
the pertinent golf association). The handicapping database
22 may also include connection to an eQuivalent national
and/or international handicapping databases 24 and 26
respectively.
The network 20 is connected to the world wide web
28 so that users may inspect the computer 12 or database 22
remotely, including from a home computer 30 or elsewhere
using a suitable Internet service provider 32.
Information is read from and written to a smart
card 34 by micro-terminals l6a,b,c. This enables the
information to be read and written on the golf course 18,
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or home with home computer 30. or is the clubhouse 14.
A further view of the system 10 is shown
generally in figure 2 at 36, in which a fuller
representation of the interconnectivity of components of -
and services provided by - the system are depicted.
A typical micro-termiaal is shown generally at 40
in figure 3. Micro-terminal 40 includes a housing 42
shaped like a large golf ball (in keeping with the intended
application of this embodiment, and to make the micro-
terminal 40 readily identifiable), to house the
electronics. A visual display unit 44 is provided to
display information, and a keypad 46 to input information.
A smart card reader/writer 48 allows a user to enter
information stored on a smart card (such as identity or
membership information), and to store or update information
on the card. It will be appreciated that the system could
employ any other type of card (and suitable reader/writer)
or indeed a universal card reader/writer With which a
variety of cards may be used.
The housing 42 is mounted on a stand 50 in the
shape of a golf-tee.
The micro-terminal 40 also includes a proximity
sensor 52 to detect when a player approaches and requires
service, in order to reduce power demand.
The visual display unit 44 provides feedback of
the player's input information (such as cumulative score or
handicap) and creates the platform for interactive services
with the clubhouse and other service providers.
A speaker 54a and microphone S4b are provided,
and constitute an intercom to facilitate intercom functions
and allow a player to communicate directly with the
clubhouse (14 in figure 1).
The keypad 46 provides a means for entering
stroke information into the system 10 and adds
functionality by way of request buttons; these buttons may
include, for example, a switch for the intercom 54a,b and a
switch to activate a buzzer in clubhouse 14 (to call for
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drinks or assistance).
Rechargeable batteries that are housed in the
stand 50 power the micro-terminal 40. The housing 42 may
be provided with solar panels to recharge or augment the
batteries.
The micro-terminal 40 includes a radio (not
shown) with antenna 56 for communication with the central
computer (12 in figure 1) at clubhouse 14. The radio
provides an efficient and direct transmission path between
player and clubhouse 14. Radio transmission is preferred,
as it eliminates the expense of laying cables or erecting
overhead cabling (both of Which are especially undesirable
on a golf course), but it will be understood that Where
appropriate the micro-terminal 40 could communicate with
the clubhouse via landline.
The card reader/writer 48 will preferably read a
smart card (having a microchip embedded in the card), but
cards with a magnetic stripe on the rear, or both a
magnetic stripe and a microchip are also suitable. The
card reader/writer unit may take the card inside the unit
to process contact cards or may accept the card externally
to process contactless cards.
A telephone handset 58 delivers all telephony
functions.
A video camera 60 is mounted on the micro-
terminal 40 to monitor the surrounding environment. The
video camera 60 may be controlled from the clubhouse 14,
and swivelled to provide a 360° field of view.
In practice, each player receives a smart card
before commencement of the game of golf. These cards are
issued at the clubhouse 14 on the day or before the game by
other organisations. Partner organisations, such as
financial institutions, may issue the smart cards in
association with credit agencies or loyalty programs. Each
player's pertinent details are stored on the smart card.
This information uniquely identifies the cardholder. c3olf
club members receive smart cards on a permanent basis While
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guests receive similar smart cards oa a "pay-per-play"
basis.
At the start of the game the players complete
their play at the first hole and move to the second hole.
There is no micro-terminal at the tae-off point of the
first hole.
As the players approach the tee-off point of the
second hole the micro-terminal 40, via the proximity sensor
52, detects the player's presence and activates the
terminal 40 in readiness for the player transaction.
Players take it is turn to insert their smart card into the
micro-terminal's card reader/writer slot 48. The micro-
terminal 40 instructs players to enter the number of
strokes for the previous hole by means of a suitable
message or series of messages displayed on screen 44, or a
recorded message played over speaker 54a. The smart card
indicates the player's preferred language, and the recorded
message is played in that language if available. The
player types in the number of strokes for the previous
hole. The smart card is then removed from the slot 48. The
next player repeats the process until all players input the
number of strokes taken is the previous hole. The
information so entered may be stored simply on the smart
card, transmitted to the computer 12 is clubhouse 14, or
both. As the game progresses, the players complete their
play at each hole sad move to the tee-off point of the next
hole where other micro-terminals are located.
A view of a typical golf course provided with the
micro-terminals of the present embodiment is shown in
figure 4.
A location number identifies each micro-terminal
during installation. At the tae-off point of the 9th hole
the associated micro-terminal is identified as terminal
number 8. The players at the tea-off point of the 9th hole
will be inputting somber of strokes for the 8th hole. By
this method of identification, the player is not required
to enter the hole location number, as it is entered
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automatically for them by the terminal. Should the players
fail to input their score at the next tee-off point the
micro-terminal identifies that no score exists for the
previous hole. The micro-termiaal guides the player through
the process of inputting the appropriate scores for the
corresponding hole.
Similarly, a variation of the on-course micro-
terminal gill be available as an attachment to a golf cart
62 (as illustrated in figure 5). This terminal 64,
permanently fixed to the cart 62, has comparable
functionality to the on-course micro-terminal.
Once the player completes all holes, the smart
card is inserted into the clubhouse kiosk. The kiosk
verifies the player's identity and the number of strokes
for each hole. The score, together 'vith the player
information, is submitted to the National Handicapping
Database 24. This Database holds all national handicapping
records.
In the preferred embodiment, the clubhouse kiosk
also prints a score sheet for the player, prints current
handicapping information, issues a personalised smart card
to members and guests, acts as a communication booth for
Internet connectivity and e-mail communication.
Optionally, the smart card may be contactless, so
that the player leaves the card in his or her pocket (or
displays the card on golf cart or bag) and - as he or she
approaches the micro-terminal - the card reader identifies
the presence of a card and automatically reads the player
=D. The player then inputs the number of strokes sad
continues faith the game.
Alternatively, the player ID and the number of
strokes may be entered manually directly into the micro-
terminal, and all data is stored on the central computer 12
in the clubhouse 14.
The micro-terminal may also provide various on-
course service for the players. Should an accident or an
emergency arise on the course (or for any other reason) the
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players can go to the nearest micro-terminal and press the
intercom button. This engages a two-way conversation with
the clubhouse staff who will respond appropriately and
promptly. This service will reduce the response time
considerably.
On hot days, for example, the player can, from
any hole, request drinks from the clubhouse by simply
pushing the intercom button. The staff receiving such a
request can respond accordingly.
In addition, the micro-terminal will also provide
services for the clubhouse. These may include scheduling
services, whereby the clubhouse monitors the progress of
each player through the course. The central computer 12 is
provided with monitoring and scheduling software, which
25 monitors the progress of each player sad communicates with
the micro-terminals. The golf course staff can thereby be
alerted to the existence or likelihood or congestion on the
course. As the player inputs their score into the micro-
terminal, the clubhouse monitoring system receives a
signal. The terminal transmits information relating to the
unique identity of the player, the hole location and the
number of strokes. With this information the clubhouse
staff are able to monitor play progress sad effectively
schedule new players onto the course. This process
alleviates bottleaecka and streamlines the tea-off process.
The clubhouse kiosk can provide various services
including an Information booth, a facility that provides
general golf information to the player. The kiosk connects
to a database of golf information, including information
specifically about the clubhouse. This information is
customised and unique to every clubhouse.
In addition, the players can view the entire
course layout before starting the game. They can
interactively move across the virtual course noting any
difficulties. This information allows the players to
familiarise themselves with the course at an early stage.
Providing this service has the added benefit in
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keeping the player at the clubhouse longer and as such
represents a merchandiaing/retail opportunity.
Handicapping information, presented in numerous
graphic methods, can also be printed out as a permanent
record of results.
The kiosk becomes the network interface device
with the National Handicapping Database. The score data
from the smart card is verified. handicap calculations
performed and then submitted to the National Database for
storage.
The kiosk is also Internet ready. A player has
the ability to not only search the world Wide web for golf
information but also to send e-mail.
Players can utilise the kiosk to instantly
acquire a personalised smart card prior to their game.
After entering the player's details into an online
electronic form the kiosk communicates With the National
Handicapping Database System to activate the identification
and registry process. The kiosk has a built-in electronic
camera, card personalisation and smart card activation
equipment. It can take a photo of the player, process the
digital image internally, print the player's image on the
card, print the golf club logo on the card and then
initialise the smart card. The card is then dispensed to
the player in readiness for the automatic scoring process.
The clubhouse kiosk thus acts as an unattended
card issuing station:
Figure 5 is a view of the system configuration 70
of the system 10 according to the present invention in
conjunction With golf course and player.
Thus, the system 10 automates golf scoring and
increasing its efficiency, and integrates scoring With
other systems, networks and facilities. Golf players
thereby have more time to concentrate on and enjoy the game
rather than spend time manually writing their golf score on
a sheet of paper with a pencil. Their score will siso be
electronically stored and their handicap automatically
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calculated. Further, the clubhouse has a direct connection
and communication path with players on the golf course.
Other applications of this system (or variations
thereof) include: 1) Various other games: for example, Mini
Golf, in which the micro-terminal is adapted as a mini-
terminal for Mini Golf. The unit would function in the
same manner as the on-course terminal and used to automate
the scoring process; 2) Security: a modified micro-terminal
can be placed in remote areas or sites where security
guards log-on at specific times. A central system monitors
transactions; 3) Car rallies: the micro-terminal can be
adapted to suit situations where multi-stations sad time
dependent outcomes are criteria. In car rallies, the smart
card is inserted into the micro-terminal that is situated
at each terminus. Transmission of race time, speed and
other vital information is transmitted to a central
database via a wireless communication link. The central
monitoring system performs data calculations sad displays
these in numerous formats. The rally cars are also fitted
With a mobile micro-terminal were performance and progress
are monitored; 4) Trade shows: the micro-terminal can be
used as a data-logging device at trade shows. The smart
card is inserted into the terminal and loaded with trade
stand information. Similarly, the terminal could download
trade show participant information from the card; or 5)
Financial reload terminals: the micro-terminal can be
placed in any street corner and act as a financial reload
terminal. In this case, the customer inserts their smart
card into the terminal and requests money to be downloaded
into the card. The micro-terminal wirelessly (or
otherwise) communicates with the financial institution, or
financial clearing house, for authorisation sad action.
Modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention may readily be effected by persons skilled in the
art. It is to be understood, therefore, that this
invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
described by way of example hereinabove.
