DE10247630A1 - Golf ball location system for use on golf course has display screen showing plan views or three-dimensional displays of golf course and using GPS navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

A satellite may be accessed to give GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation data. The data may be used for locating the individual user on a map of a park or golf course. The display on the screw incorporates a text header and a footer strip with icons and virtual buttons. It has small picture areas giving images of various features in the park or on the golf course. There is a large picture area showing a map or perspective view of the map of the park or golf course.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a leader to provide information on an area for leisure activities.

When planning leisure time poses often the Task, an abundance collecting information. Especially as a result of an increasing awareness of leisure time are getting higher Expectations quality of leisure activities. With increasing mobility open up the population but more and more diverse Possibilities, a certain leisure activity, So you mean a hobby to pursue.

The offer is in certain areas almost unmanageable become. Nevertheless, a decision must be made in advance. There available Time is often very short - the vast majority Part of the free time only takes place during off-peak working days, on weekends, on public holidays or on vacation there is immediate pressure to choose the best option.

Now the decision is which one possibility the best is, as in many areas of life, very individual. But especially when it comes to leisure activities that take place outdoors, For example, in some sports, the sense of quality depends strongly depends on the shape of the area, which is used for leisure activities is being used.

For this reason, certain sources of information have prevailed as decision aids. Brochures usually exist. But travel or sports guides in print form, on data media such as CD-ROM _S or on the Internet are also becoming increasingly popular. In addition to pure text information, there are usually sketches (e.g. of a ski area) or photos (e.g. of a hotel). This allows the planner to take a look at the area available in advance.

Unfortunately, one is often disappointed afterwards because one based on the available Information a completely got the wrong idea of the area. On the one hand, this is Naturally that also the assessment of which factors perceive the quality the strongest influence, is very individual. On the other hand, of course any information also commercial interests, for example of Hoteliers, tour operators, regional associations and / or operators of areas whose use is subject to a fee.

The inventor therefore has the task posed one way to find, by means of which you can get the best possible picture, both at a glance as well as in detail, from areas for leisure activities can.

This task is solved to an outstanding degree
A method for providing information on an area for leisure activities, in which the information on the area is prepared from geodata and / or satellite data, and
A guide for providing information on an area for leisure activities, which has geodata and / or satellite data prepared for the information about the area.

The visualization of geodata and / or satellite data has the particular advantage that the information about the area is as possible be reproduced objectively. A representation that emerges from this is as far as possible free of subjective weightings or falsifications. This results in for the information receiver the opportunity to yourself to get your own picture of the area. It is a question preparation and raw data, down to what level of detail Information is available.

Here are the raw geodata and / or Satellite data, for example data from land surveying, photos or understood aerial photos. The satellite photo represents one special form of aerial view. Of course, other data, for example Wind speeds, soil conditions, temperature records and / or further raw data can be used.

In particular, the data can be processed fully automatic or semi-automatic processes can be used. For example, the raw data then be filtered that only a certain percentage processing available stands. Can too the data are enriched with specific parameters, in particular to identify certain events in the visualization or highlight.

In a preferred variant The process is characterized in that the area is photo-realistic is pictured. This results in technical advantages and Application advantages. The photo-realistic display allows photos of the area flow directly into the information as far as possible. For example can be in the preparation of several photos together - in particular when using a computerized Procedural - one photo-realistic display even from different angles be generated. The main advantage in the application is that the recipient of information one if possible gets a realistic picture of the area. In addition, the photo-realistic presentation, both in overview and in detail, a good impression of the area.

However, the method is particularly preferred if additional information is linked to the information about the area. A distinction is thus made between information from geodata / satellite data and other additional information. The amount of additional information does not necessarily have to be limited to data that are directly incorporated into the raw data, such as identifications. Rather, the data that is different can also be linked here Form of presentation require as the prepared raw data. In particular, this can be data on the surrounding infrastructure. This may include distances to airports, distances to metropolitan areas, temperatures, wind data, restaurant and / or hotel prices, usage fees for the area or much more information that can be useful in connection with leisure activities. On the other hand, information that is not recognizable in the processed data can also find its way, for example due to insufficiently fine resolution of the display. The link with the additional information goes hand in hand with a high level of convenience for the information recipient, since for him the combination of several information sources can be largely avoided.

The information can advantageously be in one Data pool. Here you have to the information is not static, but can also be updated regularly become. In particular, this causes changes directly in the data pool can be entered. It is understood that it is also advantageous if not all information, but only part of the information in the Data pool is.

It is also preferred here if the additional information is in a data pool. Also the Collection and / or update of additional information in one Data pool in particular brings great advantages when updating of information. It can be useful if the additional information and the information is in the same data pool.

It is then particularly preferred if in the method according to the invention an access to the data pool via there is an interface. This enables great advantages especially for the information recipient. While through the collection of data in the data pool, especially the operator of the process the recipient of information can experience better handling of the data by means of an access to the data pool the raw and / or processed data very quickly and constantly received updatable. In addition, the data pool can be so large that it would be impractical if the information recipient would have all the data on his side of the interface. In this respect, access can done selectively on certain parts of the information. By application different interfaces can information receiver access the information in different ways.

In an advantageous embodiment access to the data pool can be bidirectional via the Internet done. The internet has become very popular worldwide and is able to provide data with a generally satisfactory Transmit speed. In particular when the access is designed bidirectionally the recipient of information transferred to the data pool, which data he wants to retrieve. However, it can also update data, for example. In this It is a good idea if not only the recipient of the information Has access to the data pool, but also, for example, operators of areas. This can be a huge effort to update the data from the operator of the process to the operators of the areas or other interested parties become.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that Access to the data pool is bidirectional via a GPS device. The GPS device is particularly suitable when using the data pool to find. Given the main Applicability of the method according to the invention for leisure activities, that take place outdoors, it can be very convenient to use of the GPS device automatically detect the position of the recipient of information. For example this information is transmitted directly to the data pool and / or by means of A coding can be a preselection or selection of the currently relevant Data from the data pool are taken. The current position of the information recipient can even be included in the preparation of the data, for example, the position can be graphically displayed.

It is understood that a process to provide information on an area for leisure activities, where a data pool is accessed via a GPS device, also for taken and / or in any addition or alternation the other advantageous features advantageous and inventive is.

In addition, it goes without saying that all the advantageous features mentioned that are not explicit refer to previous features, also advantageous in themselves and are inventive.

In a particularly preferred embodiment variant of the procedure the information golf courses affect. The golf sport varies in particular with that Area, that is with the different golf courses. Each golf course has a completely independent characteristic and offers different levels of difficulty and convenience. You can the previously available Sources of information are not a satisfactory picture of a golfer Submit not yet known place. However, especially with golfers, the available free time is in comparison to the total population very tight. Most golfers would even be willing to be a relative high pay for to pay satisfactory information, but so far there is none Process that provides such information.

The guide according to the invention for providing information on an area for leisure activities can advantageously be characterized in that different representations of the area are available. In particular, the information recipient can then select which representation of the Area he wants to look at.

In an advantageous variant of the leader a three-dimensional representation of the area is available. The dimensionality of the area is regularly from greater Importance. This can have technical reasons, for example because Ascents and descents overcome Need to become, but here also aesthetic Bring in aspects that affect the recreational person's sense of quality can influence.

In a particularly preferred variant the three-dimensional representation is dynamic. Resulting from this yourself big Benefits for the transfer of information to the recipient of information. If the recipient of the information Dynamic of the three-dimensional representation - but also of a two-dimensional one Presentation - yourself can control it when looking at the processed data set his own priorities. In particular, here at a computer-aided Preparation or presentation of the information a presentation similar to one Sightseeing flight over the area available his. This could the leader Have means for controlling the display, for example for Enlarge or Reduce the view and / or when specifying a direction and / or speed.

The leader can also be characterized advantageously be that a raster profile is available in a representation. This can various information in the processed data especially be identified, for example a height profile and / or invisible Conditions.

However, it is particularly preferred if with the leader of the invention Aerial view of the area available is. Aerial photographs are capable it in a special way, clearly and at the same time detailed information about an area to convey. This is the basic idea of the invention, the information preferably unadulterated to convey underlined. Especially in the synopsis of an aerial photo with a prepared representation, the leader according to the invention can particularly revealing for planning the free time.

The leader of the invention can continue to do so be marked that he is connecting to a data pool having. When connected to a data pool, the guide can not only have a connection to an immense amount of data, but can also have a very high degree of update. If in Data pool updated regularly If there is data available, the guide benefits from a connection to Data pool of it immediately. This is for the information recipient of great Advantage.

In particular, the connection advantageous over run an interface. Here the Internet offers itself Networking information recipients with the data pool in the first place. As an interface here but also the end devices be understood, by means of which an information recipient the presented Information is presented. Here can be beneficial among other things GPS devices, mobile phones, Organizers, laptops, palmtops, wristwatches and similar devices are used. You can Means can also be provided by means of which the terminals are connected to one another directly and / or via the interface and / or the data pool can communicate. So would it be conceivable that one leisure traveler another directly in the area track down can.

It is understood that a guide to Provision of information on an area for leisure activities, of a connection over such an interface to a data pool, in particular via a GPS device, has, also for taken and / or in any addition or alternation to the other advantageous Features also for taken is advantageous and inventive.

Furthermore, the guide according to the invention can be advantageous characterized in that it has weather-relevant data. With a view to the fact that the guide according to the invention is in particular for the provision of information for Offering leisure activities that take place outdoors can do that Weather or generally all climate data of great interest for planning the leisure time. In this respect, a link between weather-relevant data with certain areas very practical.

Therefore, it is particularly useful that the information that the guide according to the invention comprises Golf courses affect. Golfers particularly benefit from the invention to a high degree because In golf, a strategy must be used that is strongly influenced by the terrains is dependent.

Here, for example, from Be useful if a computer-aided route segment calculations carry out can. For example with a cursor, a mouse arrow or by voice control on one Display of the leader Points are set between which distance, angle, slope, height difference, Pathway in cross-section and / or a difference in soil quality be calculated by the system. It can make sense that the User of the guide a free zoom option for a detailed Consideration of the golf course details and their nature.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, stroke recommendations are available from the golf course guide. In particular, if the entire area is recorded in detail, i.e. also obstacles, so that, for example, the height, depth and width of the obstacle as well as the distances to the fairway, green etc. are known and data on the exact nature of the obstacle is available The golf club's computer-aided golf club offers considerable advantages over conventional methods. For the choice of racket and the club According to the recommendation, knowledge of the area that is as precise as possible is necessary. It is common for professional players to have entire golf courses paced and mapped by tape measure employees in order to be able to make correct club selections based on this information. This effort can be dispensed with by the golf guide according to the invention.

It is preferred if the Field recommendations are based on weather data. Through a combination The nature of the individual places with weather data can be a Recommended stroke as possible be individualized. Depending on the data situation, the field recommendation can for example in relation to club selection, moves or impact strength vary. Moreover can advantageously be shown how the course management dependent on of rain, wind, etc. changes.

To make planning as good as possible individualize, it is alternatively and / or cumulatively advantageous if the leader of the invention individualized skills data having. Using golf as an example, the different distances, both in the carry distance and in the total stroke distance and in the leader are processed. The striking distance detection can both automatically, for example by means of a GPS measurement, or by means of conventional measuring methods and then manual entry. With the help of this data, it is even possible, on a realistic display of the golf course on the computer to run an interactive game. Considering of prevailing terrain data - such as inclination or soil conditions - and the skill data of the user - how Clubhead speed, Strengths and Weaknesses - can leader for each Allow users to customize their game. Alternatively to deposit the skill data can also be an input device be connected to the computer, which has a golf club handle, a golf club and has a swing weight that resembles a real golf club. Doing so the input device Means for measuring the acceleration values or similar parameters are arranged be, which preferably about transmit a radio or infrared connection to a communicating device on the computer become. A tee mat can also be provided with measuring instruments and communicate with the computer. This makes it possible to be real beating of the user and capture a virtual golf game within the leader in ever new places to simulate.

To target one of the multitude of golf courses To be able to make a selection it is beneficial if a search is based on the information and / or the Supports additional information. You can do this For example, different search criteria are specified interactively like the one that’s overwhelming Height difference, Number and size of obstacles, the likelihood of having celebrities on the property or whether you want to look specifically for tournament places.

Regardless of this, it is an advantage if with the golf guide according to the invention Locations game hints available are. Considering of the respective location of the golfer, for example, in advance prepared instructional videos available his. For example, the golf guide includes recordings of individuals Putts, tees, Chips, pitches and other punches. For example, if the position of the golfer is just before the green, but A bunker between the golfer and the flag can be a recommendation to a pitch with the sand wedge or the lob wedge together with one associated Video available his. This does not have to be limited to a virtual location, but rather can particularly affect the real position of a golfer refer to the golf course, which is determined, for example, using a GPS device becomes. The game hints can then in a handheld device be deposited or displayed, which of the golfers is with them leads.

In a particularly preferred variant thereof points out the leader a speech output. If the leader is the location of the player recognizes him on the golf course, he can speak to him on site via the voice output leader Give deposited tip. This creates a situation as if the player is accompanied by a golf instructor. The player feels not just a flattering, professional atmosphere, but also benefits in his result because he makes fewer mistakes.

Independently of this, the golf guide according to the invention can Have voice input. This allows a player, for example Include your own information for specific locations in the guide.

When planning a blow can It may be particularly beneficial if the information is too strategically important zones have a particularly high data density. This enables decisive zones of a golf hole to be played with a special one to consider high level of detail and when planning the field accordingly Details to consider.

For the real game on the golf course later on the computer to be able to understand it is beneficial if the golf leader has means of wrap up having. For example, the player can spot a camera to be filmed. The video data can then in the leader's display being represented. The golfer can do this with an optimal Compare game style when a successful round of a professional player also available is.

As an alternative and / or cumulative to the filmic follow-up, it is also advantageous if the strokes of one or more golfers are registered via GPS. This is not just a comparison of an individual round with a professional player possible, but also a post-comparison of several players with each other.

To a relation to an optimal To get a round, a virtual site inspection can also be stored his. For Training and education purposes can special space conditions are emphasized here. These can be gradual according to skill of the user can be variable. For example, tips included here on the computer to prepare the round or on site using a Handheld device are given.

It is advantageous if the Golf leader one Has handicap calculator. With the introduction of the course rating system a golfer's handicap varies from course to course. through A designated handicap calculator can make a golfer uncomplicated his game specification depending determine the standard. For example, the golfer can then decide from which discounts he will play a place. Preferably, even data for all different ones discounts, so for them Back teas, men's teas, women's teas and children's and / or Elderly teas are deposited.

To further support the planning, in particular but to ensure a smooth gameplay on the court, can be advantageous in the golf guide according to the invention a timer can be provided. Such a timer can be dependent of the handicap calculate a target game duration and even a schedule set up where a place is to be played. Benefits from this even the golfer, because he can maintain his concentration over a shorter period of time got to.

As explained earlier, golfers can help plan of places to be played in particular benefit from the invention. However, it should be emphasized that the invention offers advantages in a wide range of leisure activities; Not only in sports, where primarily for sports such as skiing, cycling, Motorsport, hiking, flying, ballooning, running, windsurfing, Sailing and many more to use the invention with great advantage, but also for example when planning a trip, a city tour, reporting on a Tournament series or sports camps etc.

The invention is illustrated below of an embodiment explained.

Example An interactive golf guide with The name "Golf Tracer" is used as a computer program distributed. The Golftracer offers 3D visualization based on satellite data and aerial photography based. This makes the golf tracer stand out the previous representations both in conventional printed golf guides and also on the Internet. Among other things, the golf tracer offers a three-dimensional one Simulation of a flight over the Golf course. This gives the viewer gets a first impression of the location of the golf course, the site, the tracks, the obstacles and the level of difficulty.

For Detailed information about the individual tracks, such as lengths or default distribution, three-dimensional views of the individual webs are also available. information preparation for the topography and special features of the site of the golfer on the respective course as well as game recommendations, for example on the right choice of racket.

In addition to the 3D representation, there is one 2D representation, in which important key data for better Orientation on the individual golf courses, for example driving Range, haircuts, Clubhouse and parking, are highlighted.

In addition there is a height profile available, that as a grid over the 3D representation is placed. The user can view the individual height differences from the golf course. The typical space profile and special This means that challenges can be identified in advance.

In addition to the graphic representation are general additional information, such as individual Handicap calculator for the respective place, address, telephone and fax, directions, opening times and space requirements. The interested party can use a link by email directly Send an inquiry or reservation to the club or on inform his website further. There is also additional information about the Environment of the individual facilities, such as sights, Restaurants, etc. and a big one Left collection deposited.

After calling the program shows up a multimedia presentation area, inside which also displays all content relating to the golf courses. in this connection the information is very up to date, because if there is online access is chooses the program over the internet on one for this provided platform that can access a data pool, and gets the latest information from the data pool. Consequently the up-to-dateness of the content is guaranteed even after purchasing the program. For the If the user does not have online access, the CD or a DVD with a basic database.

Present analogously to the clubs advertising partners and sponsors in their own multimedia area. Current offers or highlights, e.g. B. from the tourism industry, are immediately available thanks to an online database.

about The Golftracer is compatible with a software interface to a PDA device. The Golftracer can thus transfer its data to the PDA, and the golfer can take the PDA to the golf course.

The Golftracer is also compatible with a car navigation system. The golf tracker can not only transmit the target coordinates to the navigation system so that the navigation system can calculate the route. Rather, views of the golf courses can also be viewed on the Naviga tion system. For example, the driver can download overflights over golf courses from the golftracer platform via his mobile phone and view them in the car.

The navigation system can or the software of the golf tracker access individualized data, which is used to record which courses the golfer has already played Has. A golfer can also be recorded in a database. Then it is determined on which golf course and on which Golf course it is located. Enable this data captured by GPS friends who are also logged in to the Golftracer platform have to look for certain people and find out where there are.

The embodiment of the golf tracer is explained below with reference to the figures. Show here

1 the basic navigation menu in a screen view,

2 another selection menu in a screen view,

3 in a screen view the multimedia presentation area with a displayed aerial view,

4 in a screen view the multimedia presentation area with a two-dimensional representation of a golf course,

5 in a screen view the multimedia presentation area with an elevation display,

6 a three-dimensional view of a golf course section in a screen section,

7 in a screen section the overall view of a golf course from the air as well

8th an alternative view according to 7 ,

The basic navigation menu in 1 includes next to the baseboard 1 especially on the main screen 2 Switch. In the main screen 2 are these as golf balls 3 (numbered as an example). By clicking on the golf balls 3 the user of the golf tracer comes to further views. So the user can navigate through the program.

The selection menu in 2 arises after clicking on the selection point "Golf courses and clubs" 1 , Here, the clubs available for selection are initially narrowed down according to federal states. By selecting one of the buttons 4 (numbered as an example), the user gets to a list of clubs in the selected state. The user can also directly access a complete list of clubs. Various search options are available to him: based on the processed information and / or additional information, among other things, according to the height difference to be played, the number of obstacles, the size of the obstacles, the environment, the number of celebrities, the skill of the user, etc. Selection of places that are closest to the user are proposed.

By selecting the button 5 the user can return to the main menu at any time.

In the 3 shown screen view 6 includes the multimedia presentation interface 7 , In particular, there is a large main window within this 8th , two photos 9 . 10 the club complex, compact additional information 11 to the club such as telephone number and internet address as well as various control areas 12 . 13 . 14 (each numbered as an example).

The control surfaces 12 are used to activate an animated display within the main window B. Using the control surfaces 13 become different target points within the area 16 selected, which are then shown enlarged. When clicking on one of the control surfaces 13 the user is led to a dynamic flyover of the selected target points.

Based on the control surfaces 14 the user can select the card type shown in the main window 8th is shown. In 3 is currently an aerial photo 15 selected. This covers an entire area 16 of a golf course.

After selecting the "Drawing 2D" control surface, the user is shown on the screen 17 , in the 4 is shown. In the main window 18 is now a drawing 19 of the area 16 displayed. This includes an easy-to-read, schematic representation of the golf course. In particular, here are the individual lanes with numbers 20 (numbered as an example). In addition, course highlights such as tees, greens, obstacles, fairways, exclusion, practice facilities, buildings and parking spaces are highlighted. In the baseboard 21 additional information about the club under review is permanently displayed in a code.

By selecting the "Elevation profile" control surface, the user gets to the screen display 22 in 5 , In the main window 23 will now be a representation 24 shown, which makes the height profile of the area recognizable in a color gradient. For better readability is in the main window 8th a legend 25 faded in, which enables an assignment of colors to heights. In addition, cardinal points 26 (numbered as an example). If desired, the height profile can also be displayed in a grid instead of the color coding. An available representation of cross sections or sections also helps with the assessment of certain locations.

The screen section 27 in 6 shows a three-dimensional view 28 a golf course 29 , The golf course 29 is by means of the control surface 30 been selected directly. The first glance is at the men's tee 31 directed, in the background is the course of the fairway 32 to recognize. In small windows 33 . 34 the lane number and lane lengths from the different tees 31 . 35 . 36 displayed.

By selecting the control surface 37 will instead of the static view 28 in the main window that with the screen section 27 matches, an overflight over the golf course 29 displayed. This can be stopped at any point. Information such as angles, gradients or important distances can be carried dynamically. It is also possible to switch between the photorealistic display and a cross-sectional display of the web. Using the switches 38 the user can zoom freely in the picture.

The user can also make route calculations carry out. So he can over Set points graphically and / or verbally. Between The golf tracer uses these points to calculate the distance, the gradient, the Angle, the height difference and differences in soil conditions. It can also be a cross-sectional profile the course of the terrain between the points.

This accuracy extends even on obstacles. In addition to the generic indication of what type The golftracer also knows about obstacles Height, depth, Width and important distances of the obstacle to fairway, green etc. the golftracer can make a stroke recommendation for any position give.

In the in 7 shown screen section 40 is a three-dimensional view for a flyover 41 of a golf course 42 shown. You can also use the buttons here 43 the overflight can be controlled, with an indicator in the bar 44 makes it clear at which point a current display in the overflight is in the entire simulation.

In the alternative view 50 in 8th is a three-dimensional view 51 of the golf course 7 to see. The representation 51 in 8th goes out of view after a portion of the total flight simulation has expired 7 out.

Claims (30)

Method for providing information on an area for leisure activities, characterized in that the information on the area is prepared from geodata and / or satellite data. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the area is displayed photo-realistically. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that additional information is linked to the information about the area. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked that the information is in a data pool. Method according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that that the additional information is in a data pool. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that that access to the data pool via there is an interface. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that that the data pool is accessed bidirectionally via the Internet. Method according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that that the data pool is accessed bidirectionally via a GPS device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked that the information concerns golf courses. leader to provide information on an area for leisure activities, characterized in that he is responsible for the information about the area has prepared geodata and / or satellite data. leader according to claim 10, characterized in that different representations of the area available are. leader according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a three-dimensional Presentation of the area available is. leader according to claim 12, characterized in that the three-dimensional Representation is dynamic. leader according to one of the claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a grid profile in a Presentation available is. leader according to one of the claims 10 to 14, characterized in that an aerial view of the area available is. leader according to one of the claims 10 to 15, characterized in that it connects to one Data pool. leader according to claim 16, characterized in that the connection via a Interface is running. leader according to one of the claims 10 to 17, characterized in that it has weather-relevant data having. Guide according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the information Affect golf courses. leader according to claim 19, characterized in that route segment calculations available are. leader according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that stroke recommendations available are. leader according to claim 21, characterized in that the stroke recommendations based on weather data are. leader according to one of the claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the leader has individualized skill data having. leader according to one of the claims 19 to 23, characterized in that a search on the Information and / or additional information is supported. leader according to one of the claims 19 to 24, characterized in that game references to locations available are. leader according to claim 25, characterized in that the leader a Has voice output. leader according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the leader a Has voice input. leader according to one of the claims 19 to 27, characterized in that the information is too strategic important zones have a particularly high data density. leader according to one of the claims 19 to 28, characterized in that the guide means for follow-up having. leader according to one of the claims 19 to 29, characterized in that a timer is provided.