EP0806976A1

EP0806976A1 - Method and apparatus for identifying position

Info

Publication number: EP0806976A1
Application number: EP96903672A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert A. Helber
Original assignee: SPORTS GUIDE Inc
Current assignee: SPORTS GUIDE Inc
Priority date: 1995-01-20
Filing date: 1996-01-22
Publication date: 1997-11-19
Also published as: CA2211012A1; EP0806976A4; AU4768096A; MX9705558A; WO1996022132A1; AU710894B2

Abstract

A method for identifying position and displaying information about the position is provided, including the steps of digitizing visual images and electronically storing information regarding positions displayed in the visual images; electronically displaying the visual images; and electronically displaying information regarding user-selected positions displayed in the visual images. A device (28) is provided that includes an electronic display screen (32) for displaying visual images and information stored on a removable memory module (50). A control panel (30) includes a control pad (34) and buttons (36, 38, 40, 42) that enable a user to selectively display the digitized photographs and selected information concerning positions and objects shown on the display device (28).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING POSITION

Technical Field

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for identifying position, and, more particularly, to a hand-holdable electronic device that displays an area and information about user-selected positions and objects in the area, such as relative distances between positions, objects, and geographic features, or the identity of an object, such as a building, including its address and owner. Background of the Invention

Various methods have been developed for tracking objects relative to known positions and for displaying information about the objects, such as the distance between the object and the known positions, the identification of the object, etc. These methods, such as radar and the global positioning system (GPS), while sufficient for their purposes, require sophisticated electronic equipment that is expensive and cumbersome.

In many activities, including sports, topographical surveying, and emergency services, the ability to accurately and quickly identify the position of an object, such as a ball, a building, or a person, is critical to the successful outcome of the activity. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for doing so that is less complicated, expensive, and cumbersome than prior methods. While the present invention was designed as an aid for use in playing the game of golf, and will be described herein in the context of the game of golf, it is to be understood that it will have application in many other activities.

In the game of golf, the object is to hit a golf ball from the tee into a hole on a green in as few strokes as possible. The clubs used by a golfer to hit the ball are constructed of varying shaft lengths and angled faces on the club head to provide varying ball trajectories and distances of travel, thereby enabling placement of the ball on the green as close to the hole as skillfully possible.

It is important that a golfer have an accurate measurement of the distance from the ball to the green in order to select the correct club. Because of sight- blocking obstacles, such as trees and hills, it is not always possible for a golfer to see the green and thus judge the distance a ball must travel to reach the green. In most cases, a golfer will estimate distances based on prior experience, which can be very subjective and imprecise. Limitations in a golfer's eyesight and experience can result in gross misjudgment of distance. While cards that depict the layout of the golf course holes and the distance from the green to the tee are sometimes provided by the golf course as well as private companies, they do not facilitate quick and accurate measurement from any location on a golf course hole to the green.

While various methods have been proposed for measuring the distance traveled by a golf ball, such as lasers, radio signals, sighting devices, etc., such devices can be expensive, cumbersome, and relatively inaccurate. Hence, there is a need for a portable, lightweight, relatively inexpensive device that enables a golfer to quickly and accurately locate the position of a golf ball relative to a green or other geographic feature and calculate or measure the distance from the ball to the green or other selected geographic feature. In addition, such a device is needed by emergency service providers, surveyors, hikers, pilots, government officials, and others who must quickly locate the position of an object relative to other objects or known geographic features and to obtain other information about the object.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for identifying position, such as the location of an object, and displaying information about the position or object, including relative distances, the street address of real property, the owner of the property, etc. The method formed in accordance with the present invention for identifying position comprises the steps of obtaining a visual image of an area, storing the image and information about predetermined positions displayed in the area in an electronic memory device, displaying the image on an electronic display device, electronically selecting one or more positions on the displayed image; and electronically displaying information about the position. The "position" in this case includes, but is not limited to, a relative position in terms of distances from other positions, a geographic terrain feature, and objects, such as property, structures, buildings, streets, markers, etc. The "identification information" may include, but is not limited to, the distance between the position and one or more other positions on the displayed image, the address of the position, such as the address and telephone number associated with real property, the owner of the property, etc.

In accordance with the present invention, a device is provided for displaying positions and information about the positions, comprising an electronic memory device for storing a digitized illustration of an area and for storing one or more visual images of an area and for storing information about positions in the visual image; an electronic display device for displaying the visual image of the area; and a selection device to enable a user to select one or more positions on the displayed image and display information about the one or more positions.

The method formed in accordance with the present invention for locating and measuring the position of a golf ball, comprises the steps of first, digitizing an aerial view of one or more holes of a golf course and storing the digitized data in a memory device; second, displaying the aerial views on an electronic display device; third, electronically selecting the position of a golf bail on the display device; and fourth, electronically measuring and displaying the distance between the position of the golf ball and one or more positions on the displayed golf course hole.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the step of digitizing an aerial view of one or more holes of a golf course includes the step of taking an aerial photograph of one or more holes of a golf course.

In addition, the method includes the further steps of inputting the strokes of one or more golfers and calculating and displaying a running total of the strokes for each of the one or more golfers. The present invention is also directed to a device for locating a position that includes an electronic memory device for storing geographic information; an electronic display device for visually displaying the geographic information stored in the memory device; a selection device for selecting one or more positions on the visual display device; and a selection device for selecting information about the position, including the distance from the one or more positions.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the electronic memory device comprises a removable module adapted for removable connection to the electronic memory device. The geographic information comprises one or more digitized photographs of one or more preselected geographic areas. Preferably, the photographs comprise aerial photographs. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the electronic display device comprises a portable, hand-holdable display device. The display device can be battery-powered, In accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention, the selector includes a control pad that controls the position of at least one indicator on the display device to enable seleαion of one or more positions on the displayed photograph. Ideally the seleαor device includes a seleαor to control enlargement and reduαion of the displayed photograph. As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention provides a relatively simple, inexpensive, and portable device to enable a golfer, as well as other sports enthusiasts, government officials, emergency service providers, and others, to quickly and easily locate a position of an objeα and display information about the object, such as distance from the objeα to geographic terrain features, the identity of the object, determining the distance of the golf ball to the green or other objects on the golf course. Furthermore, the present invention will assist emergency service providers in locating a building or residence and identifying the owner. This ability would also be useful to government officials, utilities, and surveyors. Consequently, the present invention can be seen to have wide application in many aαivhies.

Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a flow chart depicting the steps of a representative embodiment of the method of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational sketch of a hand-holdable, electronic device formed in accordance with the present invention and showing the controls and a sample opening screen;

FIGURE 2A is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the display device of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view of the device of FIGURE 2, illustrating a second screen of displayed information; FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of the device of FIGURE 2, showing a third screen of displayed information;

FIGURE 5 is a front elevational view of the device of FIGURE 2, showing a fourth screen displaying a hole of a golf course;

FIGURE 6 is a front elevational view of the device of FIGURE 2, displaying a fifth screen showing the hole displayed in FIGURE 5 with the ball in a different location; FIGURE 7 is a front elevational view of the device of FIGURE 2, showing a sixth screen displaying the selection of a score;

FIGURE 8 is a front elevational view of the device of FIGURE 2, showing a seventh screen displaying a different hole of a golf course; FIGURES 9 and 10 are reproductions of a display screen depicting a golf course hole and information about the position of a golf ball thereon; and

FIGURE 11 is a block diagram of the electronics for the present invention.

Detailed Description The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for locating position. The position can be a relative position in terms of distances from other positions, or an object, including, but not limited to, a golf ball, a building, a geographic terrain feature, or an object in space, such as a vehicle, planet, etc. Referring initially to FIGURE 1 , depicted therein are the steps that comprise the method of one embodiment of the present invention, i.e., locating the position of a golf ball on a golf course. It is to be understood that while the method of the present invention will be described in this context, the method can be applied in other activities, such as surveying, providing emergency services, hiking, flying, and space travel.

Turning to FIGURE 1 , the first step of the method is depicted in the first box 10, which is labeled "Aerial Photo - Scaled." In this step, an aerial photograph is taken of the desired geographic area. In the representative embodiment being described herein, the photograph will be that of a golf course. A pilot flies over a predetermined area and photographs the area from three different altitudes. This permits scaling of each photograph at the three different altitudes. The use of three altitudes is the result of the different layout of golf courses; some are compact and require low-altitude shots, while others are more expansive and require photographs from a higher altitude.

Ideally, the aircraft is a fixed- wing, single-engine craft that can maintain an air speed of 50 miles per hour or less. This slow speed permits the use of slower, finer-grain film in combination with a slightly higher camera shutter speed of around 250. While a helicopter would be ideal, it can be cost-prohibitive. A fixed-wing aircraft is suitable because it can take relatively low-altitude photographs that may then be enlarged without substantial loss of detail when digitized into and displayed on an electronic medium.

A professional 35-millimeter camera having an 85-millimeter lens has been found to produce acceptable photographs. If possible, the photographs should be taken between 10:00 a.m. and 1 :00 p.m. to eliminate shadows. Cloud cover is ideal, if enough light is available, because shadows are not formed. Each hole of a golf course is individually photographed, preferably directly in the center of the fairway in order to eliminate as much geometric distortion as possible. By centering the photograph and maintaining an altitude of approximately 1 ,500 feet above the golf course hole, the measurable geometric distortion from the tee to the green is greatly reduced. In taking the photographs, the aircraft and camera must be calibrated by flying over a known 25-foot marker in an X pattern at 1 ,000 feet, 1 ,500 feet, and 2,000 feet. This enables scaling of the photographs for later processing and identifying of the geometric distortion at the corners of the photograph. The photograph is considered usable for commercial purposes as long as it is within plus or minus a yard by scale. In order for the commercialized version of the product to be accurate within plus or minus five yards, the photograph itself must be accurate within a yard due to built-in distortion from the actual processing of the aerial photography and electronic scanning or digitization. The photographs themselves should have a resolution of no greater than

1 /1000th of an inch. This enables the enlargement that is required without losing the detail in the final displayed image. The photograph is developed and digitized into an enlarged eight inch by ten inch photo. The digitized photograph is then cropped, scaled, and additional data established (yardage, par, center of green, etc.) and then compressed into the program module.

In the next step, depicted as the second box 12 in FIGURE 1 , the negative of the photograph is scanned into a computer. Scanning of photographs into a computer is known to those skilled in the art, and it can be accomplished with commercially-available scanning or digitizing equipment. If necessary, after scanning each hole of the golf course is separated into individual screens as noted in the third box 14. A scanning program can be readily developed by one of

10 ordinary skill that outlines the contour of each hole, separates it, labels it, and stores it in electronic memory.

A computer operator then inputs information about the yardage and the recommended par for each hole. Also, as shown in the fourth box 16 in FIGURE 1 , information about the scale of the photograph is also inputted into the computer to enable precise yardage measurement, calculation, and display.

Each hole is then individually retrieved on the computer and indicia are placed on the digitized photographs indicating the position of blue, white, and red tees. As is well known to golfers, every golf course lays out its course starting with the longest yardage as measured from the blue tees. This area is set by regulation from the National Golf Association as 12 feet from the back of the tee area. In addition, the center of the green, not the actual hole itself, is also identified with indicia on the digitized photograph. Measurements are then entered as data, identifying distances in yardage from blue, white, and red tees to the center of the green. Using the known distance of 12 feet from the back of the tee to the blue tee or blue stake, enables a computer operator to enter data of measurements to other areas on the golf course hole. For instance, fairways having doglegs would be measured by adding the two measured distances down the center of the fairway, as would be done using a conventional tape measure. This step of scaling each hole is depicted in the sixth box 20.

The data and other required information for each hole is then used to scale each hole as a bit map, making each pixel an address from and to the identified

11 targets on the golf course hole, i.e., the tees and the middle of the green. The yardage is then verified by displaying the hole on a computer monitor and moving an indicator (using a mouse or arrow keys) to the blue stake position. The calculated yardage "from tee" should read 0. The indicator is then moved to the center of the green and the yardage "to green" should also read 0. This is one method of verifying yardage scaling, as shown in the seventh box 22.

Next, the data for the golf course is compressed into a program consisting of either 9 or 18 holes. The program is then "burned" or loaded into a plug-in module. Ideally, each module will have two to three megs of memory and be able to hold up to four 18-hole golf courses. The modules may also contain programming that permits storing of the history of the number of strokes for the last two times the user has played that hole. This information will be entered by the user during the actual play of the hole.

Referring again to FIGURE 1 , following the eighth box 24, which depicts the step of loading the program into the modules, is the step referred to in the ninth box 26 of programming a base unit, such as a hand-holdable electronic display device, to retrieve and display golf course holes as identified by a series of screen options selected by a user. Referring to options displayed in the screen, the user manipulates the controls on the base unit to look up the history of strokes for the hole currently displayed. The user can retrieve current standings, i.e., how far above or below par for the displayed course. In addition, the base unit can be programmed to display which golf course is chosen, information about the golf

12 course, such as phone number, address, number of holes, slope, and rating. In addition, advertising can be programmed into the modules for display at various times in the program.

Referring next to FIGURE 2, depicted therein is a front elevational sketch of a hand-holdable display device 28, the lower half of which is a control panel 30 and the upper half of which is a display screen 32. The display device 28 is constructed of commercially-available components, including a 1/4 VGA LCD display 32, such as the Sharp Electronics Corp. LM320081. The actual case may be designed to have a variety of shapes, such as the ergonomically designed device 28 shown in FIGURE 2A.

In the representative embodiment depicted in FIGURE 2, the control panel 30 includes a control pad 34 and four buttons 36-42. The control pad 34 controls movement of the cursor, which is shown on the display screen 32 as a darkened triangle 44. Movement of the cursor is illustrated with the dotted lines. The control pad 34 has four legs 46 at right angles to each other, with small triangle- shaped indicia 48 thereon indicating the direction of cursor movement when the leg is depressed. This type of control pad is known in the art and is readily commercially available.

Shown in FIGURE 2 is a representative example of an opening screen. The screen contains the words "Welcome to Golf Guide," and "Using the arrow, select the course you are playing." The three courses available for display listed below, which are Fair Oaks, Valley View II, and Ogden Valley in Utah. The courses to be

13 displayed on the display screen 32 are selected from the courses that are loaded onto a plug-in module 50 shown projecting upward from the displayed device 28). The plug-in module is a five volt 4Mb EEPROM commercially available from Silicon Storage Technology, Inc., part no. 285F040 SuperFlash EEPROM. Loaded onto the module 50 is a compressed program containing the digitized photographs of the golf course holes for each of the golf courses and the scaling information and yardage. The display of this information in the module is partially controlled by the control pad 34. In addition, the buttons 36-42 control the processor and memory storage components (not shown) inside the display device 28. These components are also commercially available units, such as a

Motorola, Inc. MC 68HC000 micropower microprocessor and a Motorola, Inc. MCM54800 A DRAM.

In operation, a user will power up the display device 28 after the module 50 has been plugged in. The opening screen directs the user on how to select courses and the courses that are available on that particular module 50. In the example illustrated in FIGURE 2, the golf course "Valley View II" has been selected with the control pad 34.

More particularly, the first menu shown in FIGURE 2 will be displayed upon power up of the device 28. The particular golf course of choice will be selected by using the control pad 34 to toggle through the choices. Once a choice has been selected, the user will push button (1 ) 36 to pop up the next menu screen shown

14 in FIGURE 3. This screen will be displayed until the user again pushes button (1 ) 36, which then pops up the third screen depicted in FIGURE 4.

Turning next to FIGURE 3, illustrated therein is a front plan view of the display device 28 of FIGURE 2 showing the second screen on the display screen 32. This screen gives the name, address, telephone numbers, number of holes, and slope rating for each of the blue, white, and red tees. This second screen 52 is then de-selected by pressing the button (1 ) 36.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the third screen 54, which contains directions to the user on how to select the hole on which the user is starting. By using control pad 34, the user will be able to toggle through the various hole selections. Once having determined the hole the user would like to view, the user again pushes button ( 1 ) 36. This displays the bit-mapped graphics representation of the whole the user has selected, as shown in FIGURE 5. In this case, the user has selected hole number 3 of the selected golf course, which then causes the fourth screen 56 depicted in FIGURE 5 to be displayed.

Shown on the display screen 32 is a digitized aerial photograph of the entire hole, including the tee 58, the fairway 60, sand traps 62, and the green 64. Also displayed on the screen are the par and total yardage figures for the course as well as a history of the user's average score for playing this hole. In the bottom right-hand portion of the display screen 32 are the words

"From Tee" 66 and "To Green" 68. Following each of these words is a numeral for the distance measured in yards from the ball location arrow 70 to the specific

15 geographic feature, in this case the tee and the green. More specifically, in FIGURE 5 the ball location arrow 70 is on the tee. Therefore, the distance "From Tee" 66 is "0"; and the distance "To Green" is "276" yards. While in this screen, the user, by utilizing control pad 34, will be able to move the cursor displayed on the screen. Simultaneously, the yardage from the cursor to the green and from the cursor to the tee will be displayed.

Turning next to FIGURE 6, the fifth screen 72 shows the same hole 3. However, the golfer has now hit the ball from the tee 58 onto the fairway 60. After spotting the ball on the fairway, the golfer moves the ball location arrow 70 with the control pad 34 to indicate within plus or minus five yards the position of the golf ball on the fairway 60. Now, the distance "From Tee" reads 180, which is the distance in yards, and the distance "To Green" now reads 95, which is the distance to the green in yards from the location of the ball. Pressing button (1 ) 36 will cause the sixth screen 74 to be displayed. FIGURE 7 depicts the sixth screen 74, which is the screen in which the golfer selects the score and enters it into the computer in the display device 28. The user will be able to toggle through the various stroke choices by utilizing the control pad 34. Once having toggled to the stroke, the user wishes to save, the user pushes button (1 ) 36 and the strokes for this hole will be saved. This action also pops up the third menu screen 54 shown in FIGURE 4. Since the third hole has just been completed, the user will select the fourth hole, which is illustrated as the seventh screen 76 in FIGURE 8. The above process is then repeated until the

16

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26. user has finished playing all nine or eighteen holes. The user closes this golf course by pushing button (2) 38, which brings the user back to the first screen 32 illustrated in FIGURE 2. The user can then either choose to go to another golf course or to quit by turning the power off on the device. Buttons (3) 40 and (4) 42 may be eliminated or used to control additional features, such as displaying other distances or additional information about the user's history on playing this particular golf course. For instance, while the screen is displaying the bit-mapped graphics, the user may zoom in on a particular geographic area on the golf course. This zoom function is initiated by pressing one of the buttons, i.e., button (1 ) 36. By repeatedly pressing this button, the area on which the cursor is placed will be enlarged, preferably in 25% increments, until the zoom reaches a maximum of preferably 200%. Pressing the button after the maximum is reached will return the display to the 100% display. In other words, once the zoom function has begun, the user must zoom to the maximum in order to return to the regular display.

FIGURES 9 and 10 are reproductions of display screens showing a digitized photograph 90 of a golf course hole. The cursor 98 is shown as a circle having vertical and horizontal cross-hairs 100, 102 intersecting in the center thereof. On the top portion of the display illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 10 is an optional menu bar 104 that includes the various options available to the user in this alternative embodiment. Depicted under the menu bar 104 is a display bar 106 displaying the par for the hole, the distance in yardage from the blue, white and red tees, the

17 number of the hole presently being played, and a button 108 that activates the zoom or enlargement feature.

Displayed on the lower portion of the screen illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 10 is another display bar 1 10 showing the yardage from the intersection of the cross hairs 100, 102 in the cursor 98 to the green 1 14 and from the tee 1 12. In

FIGURE 9, the cursor 98 is placed over the approximate position of the ball, and the yardage is displayed in the lower display bar 1 10. Similarly, in FIGURE 10, the golf ball has been moved closer to the green 1 14. Hence, the cursor 98 has been moved to the right on the display 90, with the resultant change in the yardage depicted in the lower display bar 1 10.

Turning next to FIGURE 1 1 , illustrated therein is a block diagram of the electronics for the display device 28. The "LCD" module block 78 is the primary display screen 32 for the display device 38. It consists of a 1 /4 VGA color Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) for the color unit and a 1 /4 VGA LCD for the monochrome unit.

The LCD controller block 80 represents the LCD controller that receives bit mapped graphics (BMP) and characters from the microprocessor 82 and stores this data in the video memory 84. The video memory 84 is provided to relieve the microprocessor 82 of continually sending the BMP to the controller 80 each time the display screen 32 is refreshed. The display is a restor scanned device that essentially has rows and columns of pixels or individual light outputting or modulating devices. These pixels are turned on in rows one by one down the

18 screen. This is known as a restor scan. Once the restor scan has reached the bottom of the device, the process is started over, and this is called the refresh.

In addition to decoding characters, the controller 80 interfaces the LCD module 78 to the microprocessor 82 and the video memory 84. Decoding characters is here meant to be the process of receiving digital information and translating this information into pixels to be displayed on the display screen 32.

The "I/O" block 86 is the programmable input-output (PIO) device that the microprocessor 82 programs to send the BMP and characters out to the LCD controller 80. Additionally, the microprocessor 82 uses the PIO device 86 to retrieve user information from the keyboard 88. In this case, the voltage level signal from the keyboard 88 is converted to digital information for the microprocessor 82, i.e., analog-to-digital conversion. The keyboard 88 is a five-key device that consists of the control pad 34 with the four legs 46 and the four enter/select buttons 36-42. The microprocessor 82 is the main processing unit of the display device 28.

It consists of a 16-bit microprocessor chip (not shown) along with all of its supporting electronics. These supporting electronics interface the microprocessor 82 to the other components, and they protect the microprocessor 82 from potentially destructive input from an open connector when the ROM plug-in module 50 is not present.

The ROM module 50 is a plug-in cartridge that stores the microprocessor operating system, the BMPs, and the microprocessor program. It consists of

19 programmable, read-only memory (PROM). The microprocessor operating system is the information the processor needs to communicate with all the components described herein. The microprocessor program is the instructions the microprocessor carries out to provide information to the user. The hand-holdable display device 28 also contains random access memory

(RAM) 92. The microprocessor will retrieve the operating system and the program from the module PROM 90 and store this in RAM 92. This is because the RAM 92 is much faster than the ROM memory and the module 90 and facilitates an increase in speed of the system. The power supply 94 may be self-contained voltage output devices, such as standard alkaline batteries or rechargeable nicad batteries. The clock 96 includes a crystal oscillator. This oscillator provides system timing to the LCD module 78 and the microprocessor 82. The system timing is necessary to synchronize the microprocessor 82 output and input to and from the other digital devices in the hand-held display device 28.

It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described herein, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the present invention has many uses

outside the field of golf. By way of illustration, an additional use would be for government agencies, such as emergency rescue teams, permitting departments, land development

20 entities, real estate industry, engineers, utilities and city and county officials for locating buildings or other objects within a geographical area.

For instance, aerial photographs of a city in one-half square mile, two and a half square mile, and ten square mile increments are digitized. In addition, the one-square-mile ownership maps held in each county are also scanned into the computer. The aerial photograph is then identified and matched with the ownership plots. The outline of the city is also scanned in to establish lines that divide the city into quarters. Each quarter of the city would have a computer address of which the aerial photos belong. Each one-half square mile digitized photo would have corresponding stored memory of the one-half square mile ownership. A user would be able to use this unit to locate the owner of a certain building, land, lot, etc.

A user would simply toggle the arrow over to the section of the city on the digitized photograph, press the enter button, and receive a ten-square mile aerial view of the part of the city located by the arrow. The user would then toggle over with the arrow and locate the quarter-mile or two and-a-half mile area of interest and again hit enter. Then using a zoom function, the user could zoom into the photograph and identify the area within one-half square mile. The user then zooms in again to the actual building, lot, etc., and hits another key that causes the program to display the name, address, and phone number of the owner of the identified building or property. In addition, the device 28 can be configured to print instead of or in addition to displaying the information.

21 Another use is to slave the present invention with a global positioning system (GPS). In this use, the aerial photograph of all airports and landing sites available to small aircraft would be digitized and entered into the computer. Since each landing site is already mapped and identified by longitude and latitude in degrees, each landing site would be so identified and the program interfaced with the GPS so the actual photograph of the nearest landing site will appear on the screen and display how far and what heading needs to be taken to get to this landing site. This device would also enable the pilot to enter the coordinates into the GPS, which would then signal to the program what landing sites are available by photo. Currently, the GPS will list the landing sites in order by name and degrees, but the addition of the present invention would enhance visual identification of the site by the pilot through seeing the photograph of the runways on the display device.

Finally, another use would be assisting park rangers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts in locating their position. Similar to the method described above for locating the owner of a building, a geographic area, such as a federal park, would be photographed and digitized into the computer. The user would zoom in on his exact location to within one-half square mile. This would permit the user to visually see where trails lead and enable him to navigate on the exact trail shown in the photograph. A GPS system could also be used in connection with

this proposed use.

Claims

CLAIMSThe embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A method for identifying the position of a golf ball, comprising the steps of digitizing one or more aerial views of one or more holes of a golf course and storing the digitized data in a memory device; displaying the aerial views on an electronic display device; electronically selecting the position of a golf ball on the displayed golf course hole; and electronically displaying the distance between the position of the golf ball and one or more positions on the displayed golf course hole.

2. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising an initial step of taking an aerial photograph of one or more holes of a golf course.

3. The method of Claim 1 , comprising the further steps of inputting the strokes of one or more golfers, and calculating and displaying a running total of the strokes for each of the one or more golfers.

4. A method for identifying position, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) creating an electronic display of a geographic area and storing the electronic display in a memory device;

(b) displaying the electronic display on an electronic display device;

(c) selecting a position on the geographic area displayed on the electronic display device; and

23 (d) electronically measuring the distance from the selected position and one or more other positions on the geographic area displayed on the electronic display device and displaying the measured distance on the electronic display

device.

5. A device for identifying position, comprising:

(a) an electronic memory device for storing geographic information;

(b) an electronic display means for visually displaying said

geographic information stored in said memory device;

(c) means for selecting one or more positions on said visual display

means; and

(d) means for measuring the distance from said one or more

positions on said visual display means to one or more other positions displayed on said electronic display means and displaying the measured distance on said

electronic display means.

6. The device of Claim 5, whereby said electronic memory device

comprises a removable module adapted for removable connection to said electronic

measuring means.

7. The device of Claim 6, wherein said geographic information comprises one or more digitized photographs of one or more geographic areas.

8. The device of Claim 7, wherein said photographs comprise aerial

photographs.

9. The device of Claim 5, wherein said electronic display means comprises a portable, hand-holdable display device.

10. The device of Claim 9, wherein said display device is battery-powered.

11. The device of Claim 7, wherein said one or more locations are calculated and visually displayed in terms of linear distance.

12. The device of Claim 1 1 , wherein said control means includes a control pad that controls the position of an indicator on said display means to enable selection of said one or more positions on said display means.

13. The device of Claim 12, wherein said photograph comprises an aerial photograph of one or more holes on a golf course.

14. The device of Claim 12, wherein said control means further includes means to enable enlargement and reduction of said displayed photograph.

15. A method for identifying position, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in an electronic memory device a visual image of an area and information about predetermined positions in the area;

(b) displaying the image on an electronic display device;

(c) selecting one or more positions displayed on the electronic display device; and

(d) displaying information about the selected positions on the electronic display device.

16. A device for identifying position, comprising: (a) An electronic storage means for storing one or more visual images of an area and information about positions in said one or more visual images;

(b) An electronic display device for visually displaying said positions and said information; and

(c) Control means to enable user selection of said visual images and positions, whereby said information is displayed on said electronic display device corresponding to said user-selected positions.