Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02226186 1998-O1-OS
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Golf Performance Systems
The invention concerns a personal golf performance system, comprising a
hand-held, programmable electronic score card, wherein the score card
comprises a microprocessor with arithmetic registers, a user interface with a
display device and a keyboard device, together with a memory device,
wherein the user interface and the memory device are connected respectively
to the microprocessor via data buses, and wherein the score card further
includes a power supply unit and a clock. The invention also concerns a
recording and monitoring system for golf with a central performance system,
wherein a personal golf performance system is employed and wherein the
recording and monitoring system is assigned to a specific golf club and golf
course and localized in connection with the golf course. The invention finally
concerns a method in connection with a recording and monitoring system for
golf with a central performance system, wherein there is employed a personal
performance system comprising a hand-held, programmable electronic score
card, wherein the score card comprises a microprocessor with arithmetic
registers, a user interface with display device and a keyboard device,
together
with a memory device, wherein the user interface and the memory device
respectively are connected to the microprocessor via data buses, and wherein
the score card further comprises a power supply unit and a clock, and
wherein the recording and monitoring system is assigned to a specific golf
club and golf course and localized in connection with the golf course.
When playing golf, player data and data concerning the game are recorded in
a so-called score card which is personal to the player and is used during the
course of play to record the number of strokes for each hole. The play data
from the score card are then used for recording a completed game and for
calculating the player's points or adjusted handicap after a game is
completed.
Manual score cards are normally made of cardboard and have to be filled out
by the player, which causes problems for a great many golf players.
So-called electronic score cards are known, usually in the form of calculator-
like devices with a keyboard and display for recording play data.
Such electronic score cards are known from, e.g., W090/03204 which
discloses a programmable electronic recording apparatus for golf, based on a
programmable pocket calculator, and which can be connected to an external
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data processing device for printing out or recording play data after the game,
and from GB 2 243 302A which discloses a score card which can be
connected to a host computer and is used to record play data and results
during the course of a game. None of these known score cards, however,
permits an instant adjustment of the player's handicap and they are also
relatively cumbersome to use. The score card which is disclosed in
W090103204, e.g., has to be reprogrammed in a complicated manner every
time the player plays on a new course.
In US-PS No. 5 127 044 there is disclosed an electronic scoring system for
golf, which system includes a scoring subsystem, which is installed, e.g., in
a
golf cart or is carried on the golf course and is used for recording play
data,
together with a handicap subsystem which is located, e.g., at a fixed point
and finally a portable data memory device which is used for transferring data
between the scoring subsystem and the handicap subsystem. This system is
highly comprehensive and complicated and its primary object is to rationalize
the running of the golf course and not to cover the players' immediate
requirements for recording play data and calculating and adjusting their
personal handicaps. In addition the system according to US-PS No. 5 127 044
is expensive.
Finally, there is in US 4 910 677 disclosed a golf score recording system and
network. In this system a plurality of local master computers are used,
receiving and transferring golf related information via cartridges from and to
mobile modules. The modules present a picture of the golf course on a screen
and are receiving scoring data from the players.
Thus the object of the present invention is to provide a personal golf
performance system for simple recording of player data as well as the
performances during a game of golf, the personal performance system
permitting an instant update to be performed of the player's handicap after
the
end of the game on the basis of play data and data recorded in the personal
performance system concerning the golf course where the game takes place.
A second object is that the personal performance system should be simple to
program, and that the information contained in the personal performance
system or generated thereby can be transferred by simple means to a suitable
recording and monitoring system in connection with the golf course.
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,.
' Consequently a further object is to provide a recording and monitoring
system
of this type which is compatible with the personal performance system.
It is a further object to simplify the use of the personal performance system
and ensure that the personal performance system in connection with the golf
game is implemented as a temporary subsystem in the recording and
monitoring system, thus enabling it to record results of play, data concerning
the player and adjust and confirm the player's handicap.
Finally, yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method in
connection with the use of a personal performance system according to the
invention together with a recording and monitoring system according to the
invention.
These above-mentioned objects are achieved with a personal performance
system which according to the invention is characterized in that the personal
performance system comprises a separate, personal data module, that the
display device in the user interface comprises a first display for display of
a
first player's handicap, a second display for display of a second player's
handicap, a third display for display of information and menus, and a fourth
display for display of fixed or variable data during an ongoing game of golf,
the fixed data being composed of parameters for the course on which the
game is being played and the variable data being composed of the number of
strokes and points together with summations of the variable data, that the
keyboard device in the user interface comprises a frst function key for the
first player, a second function key for the second player, the first and
second
function keys influencing the display of information in the first and second
displays respectively, a menu key for display of menu information in the third
display, arrow keys for moving a cursor in the .fourth display, +/- keys for
altering displayed numbers and selecting an indicated object shown in the
menu of the third display, and an enter key for entering input and altered
numbers and data shown in the displays, an input/output interface for'
connecting the score card to the personal data module which is separate and
releasable from the score card, for transfer of data between the score card
and
external data processing devices, the personal data module being arranged for
storage of the data which have to be transferred, and to be read and written
by both the score card and external data processing devices respectively, and
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thereby store information on the golf course, at least one player and the
results of the game;
a recording and monitoring system which according to the invention is
characterized in that the recording and monitoring system comprises a central
data processing device which comprises a processor, a data storage device
and a serial interface for the input and reading out of data, an input/output
interface for reading and writing to and from the personal performance
system, the data processing device being localized in connection with the golf
course or golf club and specific to the golf course and/or the golf club and
arranged to store information on the golf course, the club's players, non-
members and completed golf games in a database generated in the data
processing device and stored in the data storage device, which database is
updated with information on completed games and the players' performances
via the serial interface or input/output interface, together with the
processor,
and on the basis of the performances calculates the points and handicaps for
the players, and is also arranged to issue specific information on a player
registered in the database to the personal performance system which stores
this information and correspondingly stores information generated by the
player's personal performance system for transfer to the data processing
device for use in updating the database;
and finally with a method according to the invention which is characterized in
that the method comprises steps for inputting player data into the personal
performance system for a first player and possibly also a second player, for
registering the player or players in the recording and monitoring system's
central performance system by reading thereinto from the personal perform-
ance system, for inputting data into the personal performance system for a
golf course where a game of golf is about to be started by the player or
players, these data being retrieved from a database provided in the recording
and monitoring system, for recording in the personal performance system
during the course of the game of golf, the number of strokes for each hole for
the first and possibly the second player, the personal performance system
calculating points for the player or players for each hole, whereupon after
the
game has been completed, the personal performance system automatically
adds up variable play data as a number of strokes and points for the player or
players and calculates the adjusted handicaps for the player or players taking
into account the playing system used, and thereupon transferring the first
player's and possibly the second player's data with adjusted handicaps to a
data processing device arranged in the recording and monitoring system for
CA 02226186 1998-O1-OS
recording the completed game and updating the database with adjusted data
for results of play, and the first and possibly the second player's adjusted
personal handicap.
The invention will now be described in more detail in connection with
5 preferred embodiments and by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawing, in which:
figure I illustrates the design of the electronic score card which forms part
of
the personal performance system~according to the invention;
figure 2 is a block diagram of the electronic components in a design of the
personal performance system according to the invention;
figure 3 illustrates a design of a display device for the electronic score
card
which forms part of the personal performance system according to the
invention; and
figure 4 is a schematic layout of the recording and monitoring system
according to the invention.
Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of an electronic score card 1 which forms
part of the personal performance system PGPS according to the invention. In
reality the electronic score card 1 constitutes a user interface to a computer
system which stores information on the players and the result of the game and
uses the result of the game together with known data for the golf course
where the game was played to calculate points and adjust the players'
handicaps. All information can be displayed on a display device D which
forms part of the user interface and, as illustrated in figure I, comprises
four
separate displays DI-D4. In addition the user interface also includes a very
simple keyboard device T with a number of keys whose function will be
described in more detail below. - It should, however, be noted that the
illustration in fig. 1 is intended as exemplary only, as the actual layout of
the
displays and the keyboard may differ between different models of the score
card.
The electronic score card 1 also comprises at least one input/output interface
4 for a personal data module IO which in the preferred embodiment is
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implemented as an electronic smart card. This smart card can be inserted into
an input/output interface 4 in the form of a card reader which is provided in
the electronic score card, this being used for transferring information to and
from the score card when personal data modules are employed. In addition
the electronic score card can be equipped with-an additional input/output
interface 9 for transferring information between the score card 1 and an
external data device such as a PC. This will be discussed in more detail
below.
The electronic score card 1 comprises a number of electronic components
which are preferably implemented on a printed circuit board provided in the
score card.
Figure 2 is a functional block diagram for the score card's electronic
components and their interconnection. The core of the score card 1 is a
microprocessor 2 which is connected to a memory device 3 via a serial data
bus B 1. In a preferred embodiment the memory device 3 can include an
EEPROM for storing static data, such as the player's name, address, club and
membership number. In practice the player, i.e. the owner of the score card,
can also enter data for several clubs in EEPROM. The data of the player in
question are also stored in EEPROM and it can also store texts for display on
the display device D. This is practical if the language used by the score card
in menus and background texts has to be changed. Moreover, the memory
device comprises one or more RAMS where data for a relevant golf game are
stored. Play data for the score card's owner and possibly a second player
(partner or marker) are stored and points and number of strokes are calculated
and stored in the RAM by means of the microprocessor. The serial data bus
B1 is preferably a serial data bus of the type IIC. A corresponding data bus
B2 is connected to an input/output interface 4 for transferring data to and
from the personal data module 10 which in a preferred embodiment is a
programmable data module.
In the design illustrated in figure 2 the input/output interface 4 is
implemented as a card reader and the personal data module 10 as an
electronic smart card. It should be understood that the data buses B 1 and BZ
can be one and the same data bus if, e.g., a serial data bus of type IIC is
used
for both the memory device 3 and the input/output interface or the card
reader 4.
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r~
Furthermore the display device D is connected to the microprocessor 2 via a
display interface 11 and a standard 8-bit data bus B3 and the keyboard device
is connected to the microprocessor via a keyboard interface 12 and a 4-bit
matrix bus B4. An additional input/output interface 9 can also be provided
which is connected to the microprocessor 2 and is preferably a serial
interface
of type RS-232C which enables data to be transferred directly between the
score card and an external data device. This interface 9 can be implemented
as a not shown edge connector or plug contact on the score card 1. The score
card is supplied with power from a combined battery/charging unit 5, and it
should be understood that the battery/charging unit of course can be
connected to an external power source for charging the battery. An analog
line 6 transfers data for the battery capacity to an analog/digital converter
7
which is also connected to the microprocessor a via an 8-bit data bus B3. The
microprocessor further includes a clock 8 which can indicate both date and
time. It should be understood that both the analog/digital converter 7 and the
clock 8 can be integrated in the microprocessor. Via the microprocessor 2 the
battery's capacity and a warning with regard to charging can be displayed in
the display device D as can the date and time as indicated by the clock 8. The
clock can be supplied with a stopwatch function via the keyboard device T
and the display device D and in addition will automatically record the date
and time for the start and end of a game of golf.
The personal data module 10, which in the preferred embodiment is an
electronic smart card, contains information on the course and the course's
handicap and indicates whether a "course rate" system or a "slope" system is
employed. The smart card which is personal to each player also contains
information on the player's handicap and personal information such as his
name, address and possibly his membership number in the golf club. After the
end of the game, moreover, the smart card will automatically have the result
of play transferred and finally also have the handicap calculated and adjusted
from the microprocessor.
The display device D is illustrated in more detail in figure 3 and will be
discussed in connection with this and figure 1. The first display D 1 is
arranged to display the handicap for a first player and also indicates which
system of play is used. The second display D2 corresponds to display D 1, but
displays the handicap for a second player and which system of play is used.
Display D3 is an information display for display of information, such as
CA 02226186 1998-O1-OS
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menus, error messages, date, time, etc. D4 is the main display which displays
the progress of an ongoing game of golf. As illustrated in figure 1, the main
display D4 can be supplied with background texts as in a top part D4a for
displaying information on the play for the first and second players, and in
the
design shown in figure I arranged to display the performances for up to 9
holes at a time. These figures are placed on the far left of the -display D4
in
figure 1. The background texts for each of the players in D~.a indicate
parameters for the golf course, the number of strokes taken for each hole and
points calculated on the basis of the player's handicap, the par and handicap
for -the course and number of strokes taken respectively. It should be
understood that the points will also depend on a parameter for the system of
play which is employed, i.e. either the course rate system or the slope
system.
The same applies to the background texts for a ,second player, these being
placed in the top part D4a on the right of the display D4 and physically
separated from the background texts for the first player, thus enabling them
to
be displayed simultaneously. The bottom part D4b of the main display D4
can display summations of variable play data and these are indicated by
background texts on the far left and at the bottom of the display.
As illustrated in figure 3, the displays D 1-D4 in the display device D are
connected to the microprocessor 2 via the 8-bit data bus B3 and the display
interface 11, as is also illustrated in figure 2.
The display device D forms a first part of the user interface in the personal
score card 1. The second part of the user interface is composed of the
keyboard device T which is illustrated in more detail in figure 1 and
comprises a first function key T1 which activates the display Dl and places a
cursor in this display. It will then be possible to change parameters
concerning a first player with a plus key TS or a minus key T6 respectively.
When the desired value has been reached, an enter key T4 is pressed and the
value displayed in the display D 1 is stored in the score card's memory device
3. In this fashion the handicap, e.g., can be adjusted. T2 has the same
function as the function key T1, but activates the display D2 for a second
player. The menu key T3 activates the information display D3 and makes it
possible to gain access to a menu programme stored in the score card which
is displayed in the display D3. By using the plus/minus keys T5, T6, objects
can be selected from the menu. Typical menu objects may, e.g., be as
follows:
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1. Change name/membership number/course
2. Indicate system of play
3. Set clock/Reset clock/Stopwatch
4. Current measurement/Charging
5. Start of golf game/Continue the game
6. Display message
7. Display fairway
Finally four arrow keys A1-A4 are provided, which are used to move a cursor
between positions in the main display D4. When a position is selected in the
main display D4 with the arrow keys, it will be possible to change a number
which is placed in this position by pressing one of the keys T5, T6, the plus
key increasing the number by 1 and the minus key reducing it by 1.
As illustrated in fig. 2, the keyboard device T is connected to the
microprocessor 2 via the keyboard interface 12.
As illustrated in figures 1 and 2 the electronic score card 1 comprises an
input/output interface 4 for a personal data module 10. The personal data
module 10 is preferably a smart card and the input/output interface 4 is
thereby a card reader. In reality the card reader 4 will establish an
additional
key function, since by entering and pressing the keys T1 and T2 respectively
the information stored in the smart card will lead to data for the player to
whom the smart card is assigned being read and stored in the electronic score
card's memory device 3. Any previously stored data on the player in the
smart card's memory device 3 will be updated simultaneously. A personal
data module can also be used for the second player, but in this case the
person concerned has to enter via the user interface D, T a personal PIN code
which acts as an acknowledgment, since it should be understood that the
electronic score card is basically personal and assigned to one player, even
though it is possible for two players to, use it during a game. A release key
T7 is provided on the score card 1 and is pressed when the smart card has to
be removed from the card reader 4.
After the data have been entered and read in the personal data module 10, the
game can start and the only thing the player now needs to do is to record the
number of strokes taken for each-hole. At the first hole, e.g., the cursor
will
be placed below the background tent "score" for one of the players and the
CA 02226186 1998-O1-OS
number will be 0. By using the plus key TS the number can be altered until it
equals the number of strokes the player has taken to get the ball into the
hole.
When the correct number is displayed, this is stored by means of the enter
key T4. If there are tzvo players, the cursor will move to the same position
5 for the second player and the procedure is repeated. When all the strokes
for
the first hole have been recorded, the cursor moves automatically one line
down to the position for the performance or score for the first player. This
continues until the entire game has been completed and the player or players'
performances for all the holes have thereby been recorded.
10 Alphanumeric information can be entered into the score card's memory device
via the user interface D, T by means of, e.g., the arrow keys Al-A4, the
plus/minus keys T~, T6 and the enter key T 4. t~lphanumeric symbols will be
displayed in groups, sequentially or individually in, e.g., the information
display D3 by means of the arrow keys or the plus/minus keys and input with
the enter key T4 when the cursor is positioned at the correct symbol.
The course information which is stored in the smart card 10 can comprise
graphic information in the form of maps showing the fairway for each
individual hole. The fairway map for a hole can be selected from the menu
and displayed on the main display D4. It will be able to indicate the distance
between the tee and the green, differences in level, par for the hole and
degree of difficulty as well as obstacles. During the course of play the
fairway map for the hole in question can also be displayed in the main
display, e.g. by pressing the menu key T3 when the cursor is positioned at
this hole's number. The fairway map for the hole then appears on the main
display. At the same time the strokes can also be recorded with the plus key
TS and after entering they can be displayed overlaid on the fairway map. By
pressing the menu key T4 the fairway map will be removed from the display,
while the number of strokes will naturally remain under "score" for the hole.
It should be understood that the display device D can be implemented, e.g.,
with specially designed LCD displays or plasma displays. All functions in
connection with the user interface and the display and processing of
information are generated by specially developed software for the personal
performance system stored in the memory device.
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Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a recording and monitoring system
RMS for golf. The system comprises the personal performance system PGPS
which is for one player's own personal use, but which, as stated above, can
deal with up to two players simultaneously. The personal performance system
PGPS comprises the electronic score card 2 with input/output interface 4;9
and a personal data module 10, preferably implemented as an electronic smart
card. The electronic smart card 10 constitutes a component which can be
connected to and separated from the electronic score card 2, depending on
whether or not a game is in progress, or whether data have to be transferred
between the electronic score card 2 and another part of the recording and
monitoring system, described in figure 2 as CGPS. CGPS comprises an
input/output interface 13 and connected to the input/output interface 13 is a
data processing device 15 which can be a persgnal computer PC, this personal
computer being connected to peripheral units such as a floppy disk unit 16 or
a printer 17 for generating hard copies. Unlike PGPS, CGPS is not personal,
but assigned to a specific golf club and golf course and preferably localized
in connection with the golf course, e.g. in the clubhouse. The data processing
device 15 is connected to a serial interface 14, e.g. of type RS-232C and the
input/output interface 13 which in the present case is preferably a card
reader
for reading and writing from the electronic smart card 10 which preferably
constitutes the personal data module. Furthermore the data processing device
15 is connected to peripheral units such as a floppy disk unit 16 and a paper
printer 17, and at the player's option can also be connected to other data
processing devices. The data processing device 15 contains in a not shown
memory a database which stores information on the golf course, the club's
players, non-members and completed golf games. This database can be
updated with information which, e.g., is entered in the personal data module
or the smart card 10, but also via input/output peripheral units (not shown)
which are connected to the data processing device 15 for updating of the
database and programming of the data processing device 15. The data
processing device 15 further stores software which can implement updating
and is used for calculating points and handicaps for the players. Information
on a player registered in the database can be transferred to the personal
performance system PGPS, i.e. the smart card 10 and via this on to the
memory device 3 (figure 2) in the electronic score card 1. Moreover
information which is generated by the player's personal performance system
PGPS can be transferred in-a similar manner to the data processing device 15
and used for updating of the database. Adjusted handicaps after the end of a
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game can be calculated in the personal performance system PGPS, but are
also calculated and at least checked in the performance system CGPS of the
recording and monitoring system RMS.
A method will now be discussed for use with the personal performance
system PEPS and its central performance system CGPS. On arrival at the golf
club or golf course, when registering in the recording and monitoring system
which is assigned to the course or club and preferably placed in the club-
house, the player will simultaneously receive the personal data module 10
which is updated with the player's name, handicap, etc. if the player is
already a member of the club. If a new personal handicap for the player is
already recorded in the player's score card which is not found in the CGPS,
the database in the data processing device 13 c.~n be simultaneously updated
with the correct handicap. As mentioned above, the personal data module 10
is preferably a smart card and data are read from the CGPS to this smart card
via the input/output interface 13 which in this case is a card reader. The
player can then insert the smart card 10 into his personal electronic score
card
1 and press the key TI, whereupon all the data on the player and the golf
course which are in the smart card 10 are input into the memory in the score
card 1. If there is a partner or marker, he can now acquire his personal smart
card and perform the same procedure. By pressing the key T2 on the score
card 1 of the first player, the partner's smart card can transfer the data on
him/her to the first player's electronic score card 1. This requires the
second
player (partner or marker) to key in a PIN code in the first player's
electronic
score card. Such PIN codes are to be found in all personal data modules or
smart cards 10. The PIN code is keyed in on the display D3 where after
pressing P2 four figures will appear which can be altered to the correct PIN
code by means of the plus/minus keys T5, T6 and the arrow keys Al-A4. By
then pressing the enter key T4 the input PIN code will be confirmed against
the PIN code which is in the player's smart card.
The golf game can now begin, and, as mentioned previously, each hole
appears in turn on the main display D4. The relevant player presses the plus.
key TS for each stroke performed at this hole, and when the ball has landed
in the hole, the enter key T4 has to be pressed in addition to the plus key in
order to confirm that the hole in question has been completed, whereupon the
cursor on the display D4 moves to the position for the next hole. If the score
card is used again for two players, this naturally occurs after the partner is
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finished. It is preferred that a maximum of nine holes should be able to be
displayed at a time on the display D4. After play is completed on the first
nine holes and the results added up, holes 10-18 will appear on the display.
It
is entirely possible to return to previously played holes -by using the arrow
keys Al-A~-. As mentioned above, in connection with and during play a map
of the fairway for a hole can be displayed on the main display D4, showing
obstacles, levels and the distance between tee and green. In connection with
these operations the electronic score card adds up all variable play data in
the
correct columns, regardless of the type of competition, and when a game is
over, calculates points and adjusted handicaps for the players. When a game
is over, the player keeps the plus key TS depressed while at the same time
pressing function key T1. The electronic score card 1 then performs the
necessary calculations and all the data from the-score card are simultaneously
transferred to the personal data module or smart card 10. If there is a
partner, he must press the key T2 at the same time as the minus key T6. At
the same time the score card 1 also performs an automatic check in order to
ascertain whether the smart cards) to which the data have to be transferred
are valid. The smart card 10 is now removed from the electronic score card 1
and can be handed to the golf club's secretariat for recording. This is done
by
inserting the smart card 10 into the card reader 13 in the CGPS. The
information stored in the smart card 10 is transferred to the data processing
device 1 S and checked, possibly with a check of the calculation of the
adjusted handicap, and a new updating of the smart card 10 with corrected
and confirmed data may be performed. The partner's card, of course,
undergoes the same procedure. The electronic score card 1 can be
simultaneously updated with the player's confirmed and adjusted handicap by
reinserting the smart card 10 in the interface 4 and having it read by the
electronic score card 1. In connection with the recording after the completion
of a game, a hard copy is printed out by the data processing device 15 on the
printer 17. This is signed by the player and possibly by his partner.
The personal data module or smart card 10 shall in one version as intended
be valid only fox the golf club or golf course concerned, and, even though it
is a personal data module, it is unambiguously associated with the recording
and monitoring system RMS. When it is not being used by the player,
therefore, the personal data module or smart card 10 will be kept in
connection with the CGPS, i.e. in practice in the golf club's secretariat. If
the
player plays on another course or in another golf club, a new personal data
CA 02226186 1998-O1-OS
14
' 1 module or smart card 10 thus has to be generated for this course, but it
can
be used in the same manner, and thus it will not be necessary to reprogramme
the score card l, since all the relevant data transferred from the neiv smart
card 10 will result in the necessary updating of the information stored in the
electronic score card 1. In reality, therefore, a personal data module or
smart
card 10 virtually lasts forever and will only be issued to the player every
time he plays a game of golf on the course to which the personal data module
is unambiguously assigned.
However, it is also possible to envisage a version of the personal data module
10 or smart card being personal in strict sense. In this version the personal
data
module or smart card 10 is issued once and for all to its holder or owner with
the owner's personal data, identification and authorization codes, together
with the necessary functional and non-changeable software and then carried
by the owner, e.g. together with score-card 1 and used whenever and
wherever the owner plays. In connection with the performance system PGPS
and CGPS the personal data module or smart card 10 is used as before, but is
read and receives the relevant input data when the owner registers at the golf
course, be it his ozvn club or a different club. In each case the relevant
information about the golf course and the handicap system used is down-
loaded to the personal data module or smart card 10 from the in-house
performance system CGPS and transferred to the owner's electronic score
card 1 before the game commences. After a finished game the results,
including scores and revised handicap, is transferred to the central
performance system CGPS of the club, updating the recording and monitoring
system RMS of the club, which results are retained in the personal data
module or the smart card 10 and possibly also the score card 1 for later use,
either on the same or another golf course. This version of the personal data
module or smart card 10 thus offers the possibility of always making the
latest data of the player's performance available to the recording and
monitoring system RMS in question and thus also ensures an update of the
system with the correct performance data, whenever the holder of the
personal data module or smart card 10 registers for a game.
In the above description the personal data module 10 is preferably physically
implemented in the form of an electronic smart card. However, it is also
possible to implement the personal data module in the form of a non-physical
object, viz_ a program module. Thus in practice the program module
CA 02226186 1998-O1-OS
_.
represents what can be described as a virtual smart card or a virtual personal
data module 10. This assumes that the implementation in the form of a
personal program module exists in the electronic score card 1 and the data
processing device 15 respectively in CGPS. Instead of being issued ~.vith the
5 smart card during registration before the game starts, the electronic score
card
1 is inserted into an input/output interface, for example the serial interface
14,
thus connecting it to a compatible serial interface 9 in the electronic score
card. The information is now transferred as in the case of the smart card 10,
but this time in the form of information from a personal program module
10 stored in the data processing device 1 S and to a corresponding personal
program module stored in the memory device 3 in the electronic score card 1,
the personal program modules constituting a mutually unambiguous image of
each other. If the personal data module 10 is irraplemented in a non-physical
form of such a program module, the card readers 4 and I3 can naturally be
15 dispensed with, the electronic score card 2 thus comprising only a serial
interface 9 and CGPS corresponding to a serial interface 14 which can
preferably be an interface of type RS-232C. The serial interface 9 on the
electronic smart card 10 can also be connected to an external data processing
device, e.g. the player's own personal computer and used for entering
personal data via the keyboard of this computer, which will be simpler than
using the user interface D,T in the electronic score card 1 for this purpose.
Similarly, data stored in the memory device 3 in the personal score card 1
can naturally be read to such an external data processing device via the
interface 9. In this case the interface 9 can be implemented as either a not
shown plug contact on the electronic score card 1 or also as a not shown edge
connector on the score card 1. However, it is preferable that both the
electronic score card 1 and the central performance system CGPS of the
recording and monitoring system RMS should be implemented with
inputloutput interfaces 4;11 in the form of card readers, in addition to the
serial interfaces 9;14 for connection to data processing devices.
There are many contexts in which it is preferable to implement the personal
data module 10 in the form of an electronic smart card. In fact this can also
be designed as a carrier of advertisements or information which are not
necessarily directly connected with golf, but which nevertheless could have a
powerful influence, in the light of the already great and steadily growing
popularity of golf. In reality, therefore, the personal performance system
PGPS will be provided with options for choice of personal data module, nor
CA 02226186 1998-O1-OS
16
is there any reason why it cannot be physically implemented in a different
manner than as a card, e.g. as a module which can be plugged into the
electronic score card l, and then the connectable module can naturally be
removed from the score card and when data are recorded or read to CGPS it
can be inserted into a compatible plug interface in this system.
In addition to the information which is necessary for the game and is stored
in the personal data module or smart card 10, it can also contain messages
which are entered by CGPS during registration. These messages can be
personal or impersonal, e.g. general information from the golf club, bargain
offers, tournament calendars, etc. and will be communicated to the player
when the information in the personal data module 10 is entered into the score
card, e.g. by means of a blinking menu display.. Thus by means of the menu
key T3 messages of this kind can be retrieved and displayed, e.g. in the main
display D4.
IS It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that a number of
variations are
possible both with regard to the design of the personal performance system
CPGS and the recording and monitoring system RMS according to the present
invention and within the scope of the attached claims. However, regardless of
the specific design chosen, it is clear that with the personal performance
system PGPS and recording and monitoring system RMS according to the
present invention, together with the use of the indicated method, compared to
other known systems it will be much simpler for the player to keep a check
on his results and at the same time it will entail substantial savings for the
golf club with regard to time and expenses, not least with the automatic
recording of adjusted handicaps for the golf club's members. Both the
personal performance system PGPS and the recording and monitoring system
RMS are implemented with relatively simple electronic equipment, only the
user interface, i.e. the display and keyboard devices D,T, being peculiar to
the
system. All the other components will mainly be standard components which
are available on the market, thus enabling the invention as a whole to be
implemented with a minimum of expenses for both club and players.
