EP0639997B1 - Golf counter device and watch combined therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

An analogue display golf counter comprising, in a first embodiment thereof, four separate hands driven by four stepping motors. The hand positions are controlled by an electronic system comprising a counter, a store, a processor and a controller responding to programmed algorithms and data input via two push buttons. The first hand shows the position of the course (hole), the second shows the operating mode, and the last two show the score, i.e. one shows the units with the sign while the other shows the tens. Three operating modes are provided: 'single score', 'total score' and 'programming'. In the latter mode, a reference course may be programmed.

Description

The present invention relates to a "golf counter" device with analog display and a watch, for example of the wristwatch type, combined with such a device.

There are already known small golf counters which simply allow the player's strokes to be counted on a hole, without the possibility of cumulation, nor the possibility of taking into account the typical number of strokes (or "PAR"). However, the way to get the full result of a golf course is relatively complex. For each hole, we have a typical number of strokes. If the player uses fewer strokes than the typical number of strokes for this hole, he earns points and his score is negative; if he uses more strokes he loses points and his score is positive. The scores for each hole are then added up. If at the end of the course, the player has a negative score, he has done better than the sum of the typical number of strokes for each hole. If his score is positive he has done less well. His final result is then obtained after deduction of his handicap, this handicap taking into account the difference in level between the different players. In addition, it is interesting to have a clear view of the game at all times, and to have the possibility of knowing the "simple total" corresponding to the score of the current game, and the "cumulative total" corresponding to the cumulative score. since the start of the game.

Document DE-A-3 816 713 in particular discloses a watch of the wristwatch type with which a golf counter is associated. According to this document, the watch includes analog time display means, and data display means related to a round of golf for two players. These latter display means comprise for each player a counter of the type digital which totals the number of strokes played during the game, a counter of the analog type which totals the number of strokes played for each hole as well as a counter of the digital type which indicates the number of the hole which is being played, the counters which total the number of strokes played per hole as well as the one which indicates the hole played are each incremented by a pusher.

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf counter making it possible to take into account all the particularities of the game of golf and having the simple reading proper to analog displays.

To this end, the invention relates to a device golf counter intended to display information relating to a round of golf, in particular a number of points and a particular hole of the course, comprising manual means of entry for entering in particular a number of strokes, and first means of selection and display manually operable to select and display said particular hole, said device further comprising electronic counting, storage, processing and control means for calculating and displaying a number of points, said number of points being according to a first operating mode of the device at least, calculated by taking into account said number of strokes entered for each of the holes selected successively since the start of the game (cumulative total), said device being characterized in that it displays said information relating to a game of golf by means of needles arranged to move over a dial and driven independently of each other by stepping motors so as to cooperate with a plurality of scales, in that said first means for displaying a particular hole comprise a first of said needles and a first of said scales, said first scale comprising a plurality of positions which correspond respectively to the different holes of a golf course, and in that said electronic means for displaying a number of points comprise at least a second needle whose axis passes substantially through the center of the dial and a second of said scales which is concentric with the dial.

• La figure 1 représente schématiquement un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif à quatre aiguilles selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 représente schématiquement des moyens de sélection et d'affichage de "position" et de "mode de fonctionnement" selon l'invention.
• La figure 3 représente schématiquement des moyens électroniques de comptage, de mémorisation, de traitement et de commande selon l'invention.
• La figure 4 représente de façon très schématique un mouvement de montre connu pouvant être utilisé pour réaliser un compteur de golf selon la présente invention.
• La figure 5 représenté un premier exemple de compteur de golf réalisé à partir du mouvement de montre de la figure 4.
• La figure 6 représente un deuxième exemple de compteur de golf selon l'invention réalisé à partir du mouvement de montre de la figure 4.

Other characteristics of the invention will appear during the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 schematically represents a first embodiment of a device with four needles according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 schematically represents means for selecting and displaying "position" and "operating mode" according to the invention.
• FIG. 3 schematically represents electronic counting, storage, processing and control means according to the invention.
• FIG. 4 very schematically represents a known watch movement that can be used to make a golf counter according to the present invention.
• FIG. 5 represents a first example of a golf counter produced from the watch movement of FIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 represents a second example of a golf counter according to the invention produced from the watch movement of FIG. 4.

Note that the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 5 are not part of the claimed invention.

In FIG. 1, all of the display means according to the invention are shown by way of example. These display means comprise four needles driven independently of each other by four stepping motors shown in the following figures. These four hands work on four distinct areas of the dial.

The central hand 4 displays the "position" and works with the outer part of the dial 2. This part 84 of the dial has eighteen positions numbered from 1 to 18 corresponding to the eighteen holes of a golf course , plus two positions "start" and "handicap" corresponding to two complementary functions which will be described later.

The six o'clock hand 6 enables the "operating mode" to be displayed and works with a graduation 86 comprising three zones referenced respectively 86a, 86b and 86c corresponding to three distinct operating modes, the "PROGRAM" zone 86a, the "simple total" area 86b and the "cumulative total" area 86c.

The hands at two o'clock 7 and at ten o'clock 8 allow the number of points to be displayed in combination.

The needle 7 works on a graduation of ten positions 87 numbered from 0 to 9 and which correspond to the units. Each of the ten positions has a "-" area 80 and a "+" area 81 for displaying a negative score and a positive score respectively. So when the needle 7 is in the "-" zone, the number of points is negative, and vice versa when it is in a "+" zone.

The needle 8 works on a graduation 88 numbered from 00 to 110 which is intended to display the tens. Thus, by combining the indications of hands 7 and 8, one can display numbers of points ranging from -119 to +119 points.

Two pushers 82 and 83 make it possible to control the advance of the hands and to introduce certain parameters.

For example, short presses on the pusher 82 make it possible to move the needle 4 from position to position. Longer presses on the same pusher 82 make it possible to move the needle 6 successively from the "PROGRAM" mode 86a to the "simple total" mode 86b, then to the "cumulative total" mode 86c. It is thus possible for the user, by simple manipulations, to select the "position" and the "operating mode" that he wishes.

The pusher 83 makes it possible to act on the hands 7 and 8, to increment or decrement the number of points. For example, a short press on the pusher 83 = +1 point and a long press = -1 point. When the counter is in "PROGRAM" mode (needle 6 on "PROGRAM"), you can enter the typical number of strokes for the hole indicated by needle 4, that is, in the case shown, hole No 3. When the hand 6 indicates the "simple total" mode 86b or the "cumulative total" mode 86c, the player presses the push button 83 each time he plays so as to introduce the number of strokes played by him.

Finally, there are two special positions "START" and "HANDICAP" allowing to program the handicap of the player and to display the final score taking into account this handicap.

The following figures give the configuration of the electronic counting, storage, processing and control means enabling the described functions to be carried out.

In Figure 2 are shown schematically by way of example the selection and display means according to the invention. We find the pusher 82 which controls the advance of the hands 4 for the display of the "position", and 6 for the display of the "operating mode".

The pusher 82 is connected to the input of a switching circuit 21 which, when the pressure on the pusher 82 is short, directs a control signal to the input of a "position" selection circuit 22, connected to a control circuit 23 of the stepping motor 24 which drives the needle 4 via the train 25.

The selection circuit 22 is also connected to a decoding circuit 26 delivering signals to the electronic counting, storage, processing and control means of FIG. 3 as a function of the "position" selected.

When the pressure on the pusher 82 is long, the switching circuit 21 directs a control signal to the input of a "operating mode" selection circuit 27, connected to a control circuit 28 of the step motor. step 29 which drives the needle 6 via the gear train 30. The selection circuit 27 is also connected to a decoding circuit 31 delivering signals M to the electronic counting, storage, processing and control means of Figure 3 depending on the "operating mode" selected. Note that, in a simplified configuration, we could have only one "operating mode". In this case, you can delete the "operating mode" selector.

It is known that the functions of an electronic system can be carried out in many ways, especially if one takes into account the almost limitless possibilities of programmed logic and microprocessors currently available on the market. This is why the description is limited to general functions, the design of detail being within the reach of any person skilled in the art.

If we refer to Figure 1, we can see the scale 84 has twenty "positions" corresponding to holes 1 to 18, plus the position "handicap" and the position "start". The "position" selection circuit can therefore be a simple counter by 20 which is incremented by one step for each short press on the push-button 82. Each of these "positions" corresponds to a number of steps which must be traversed by l needle 4 from an original position to come to be placed opposite the "position" concerned. For example, if hand 4 takes 60 steps per revolution and the origin is at 12 o'clock, the "start" position corresponds to 32 steps, the "10" position to 1 step, etc. for each "position" given by the selection counter by 20, a number between 0 and 59 which can be restored by a simple algorithm through a correspondence table fixed in the ROM of a microprocessor, for example.

This number is transmitted to the control circuit 23 of the stepping motor, which will calculate the number of steps which separates the old selected position from the new one, and deliver to the stepping motor 24 the number of pulses. necessary to bring needle 4 to the new selected position. This configuration makes it possible to position the needle 4 with precision, whatever the number of steps which separates the different "positions" between them.

Thus, if we refer to Figure 1, we see that there are only three distinct "operating modes". For a needle 6 making 60 steps per revolution, we have the "program" mode 86a which is 30 steps from the origin, the "total simple" mode 86b which is 50 steps from the origin and the " cumulative total "86c which is 10 steps from the origin. The "mode selection" counter operation "27 therefore has 3 distinct states corresponding to the numbers of steps 10, 30 and 50, which determine the number of pulses that the control circuit 28 will transmit to the motor 29 to bring the needle 6 to the desired position.

Note that the means for selecting and displaying the "operating modes" could perfectly be electromechanical, of the 3-position switch type.

In Figure 3 are shown by way of example the electronic counting, storage, processing and control means for displaying the number of points.

The needles 7 and 8 are recognized, as well as the pusher 83 of FIG. 1. The pusher 83 is connected to a forming circuit 41 which delivers on the one hand counting pulses, and on the other hand a signal for the sign of counting, "+" for short presses and "-" for long presses. The outputs of the formatter circuit 41 are connected to the inputs of several electronic switches.

All the switches and electronic switches shown in FIG. 3 are controlled by the position P and mode M signals delivered by the electronic circuit in FIG. 2.

Thus when the needle 4 (FIG. 1) is in the "position 1" and the needle 6 indicates the "PROGRAM mode" 86a, the switch 42 is closed and the switch 43 directs the counting pulses on the input of a counting and memorizing circuit 44 which records the standard number of strokes of the course for hole No 1. This counting circuit may have only a few positions, for example 4, corresponding to 0.3.4 and 5 strokes respectively, which corresponds to standard golf courses, position 0 means that you want to display the total number of strokes without taking any programming into account. Circuit 44 is connected to the input "-" of an adder circuit 45, the output of which is connected to switch 46 which, like switch 42, is only closed when one is in "position 1". The output of the adder 45 is thus connected to a bus 47 which directs the information to be displayed towards a processing circuit 48 which will separate the units from the sign and the tens. In the case described here, the information corresponds to the value contained in circuit 44, that is the number of strokes programmed for hole 1, with the sign "-".

The units with the sign are directed to a control circuit 49 which maps a precise position on the dial to each value between -9 and +9 which is supplied to it, and which controls the advance of the stepping motor " 50 "for, through the gear train" 51 ", bring the needle" 7 "opposite said position of the dial.

The tens are directed to a control circuit 52 which maps a precise position on the dial to each tens value between 00 and 110 which is supplied to it, and which controls the advance of the stepping motor 53 for, by through the gear train 54, bring the needle 8 opposite said position of the dial.

When leaving the "PROGRAM mode" 86a, the switch 43 switches and the counting pulses are directed to the stroke counter 55 connected by the switch 56, which is closed in "simple" modes and in "cumulative" mode , at the input "+" of the adder 45. The value of the information which passes on the bus 47 is therefore equal to the content of the counter 55 minus the programmed value contained in the circuit 44.

When the needle 4 (Figure 1) moves to "position 2", the switches 42 and 46 open, while the switch 57 closes. We have the same configuration as before and in particular in "Program mode" the switch 58 is connected to the counting and storage circuit 59 of the number of shots programmed for the hole 2, the output of which is itself connected to the input of the adder circuit 60 which is in turn connected by the switch 61 to the bus 47 which then transmits the information concerning the hole 2 to the processing circuit 48. In the others " modes ", the counting pulses go to the counter 62 connected by the switch 63 to the" + "input of the adder 60.

The same goes for holes 3 to 18, not shown.

There remain two special HAND positions corresponding to the HANDICAP part of the dial in FIG. 1 and START.

When you are in "HAND position", the switch 64 is closed. If one is in "PROGRAM mode", the switch 65 is also closed, and the counting pulses go to the input of a counting and storage circuit 66 which records the handicap of the player. The counter 66 is connected to the input "-" of an adder 67, the output of which goes, via the switch 68 to the bus 47, thus making it possible to display the content of the counter 66.

It remains to establish the difference between the "total Simple" 86b and "cumulative total" 86c modes. This is simply done by means of switches 69 and 70 which make it possible to connect the output of the adders 45, 60, 67 etc. to an input "+" of the following adder, so as to obtain a total of the values. In "total Simple" mode, switches 69 and 70 are open and there is no accumulation. In "cumulative total" mode, these switches are closed and there is accumulation.

Finally, when we are in the "START position", it is the switch 71 which is closed, the pulses coming from the pusher 83 go to the input of a decoding circuit 72 which generates reset pulses in response to precise manipulations on this push button 83. These reset pulses are used to reset all the hit counters (55,62,66 ...) to 0 and start a new course.

Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of a golf counter according to the invention incorporated in a wristwatch. In the present example, the golf counter according to the invention uses, as a display means, the indicator members of a chronograph watch movement of a commercially available model. The watch movement used is caliber 251.262 from the manufacturer ETA® domiciled in Granges, Switzerland.

Since the ETA 251.262 caliber is a known model, it will only be described here very succinctly. This caliber comprises five stepping motors each actuating at least one needle, and an electronic control module capable of controlling the five motors independently of each other. FIG. 4 schematically represents the arrangement of the motors and cogs for the various indicating members in the frame of the movement 89. The movement comprises, as we have already said, five stepping motors referenced respectively 90, 94 , 96, 97 and 98 and each actuating a gear train connected to at least one needle (not shown in Figure 4). A first motor 90 is provided for actuating, by cogs (shown only partially in FIG. 4 and identified by the reference numeral 91), three needles respectively indicating the hours, the minutes and the seconds to permanently provide an indication of what time it is. A special feature of the 251.262 movement is that, as in other chronographs, the axis of the second hand is off-center at six o'clock, while the pavement and the hour cannon are placed at center of movement.

The other four stepper motors 94, 96, 97 and 98 which each operate a single needle are not used by the normal time display and are therefore available to constitute with their gear train and their respective needles the display means of the golf counter.

Before proceeding to the description of the golf counter itself, it should also be noted that the ETA 251.262 movement comprises three external control members. It is a control rod and two pushers (referenced respectively 120, 122 and 123 in FIG. 5). The control rod is a rod which can take three positions which are respectively a depressed position, a first pulled position and a second pulled position. The axial displacement of the rod 120 between these different positions acts on a flexible contact blade (not shown) arranged in the frame so that in the first position pulled from the rod 120, this blade is kept in contact with a first metal terminal (not shown), in that in the second position drawn from the rod 120, it is kept in contact with a second metal terminal (not shown), and in that in the pushed back position from the rod 120, it is in the air halfway between the two metal terminals. The electrical contact between the flexible blade and the first or second terminal has the effect of grounding respectively a first or a second track of the printed circuit which carries the electronic module of the movement. Similarly, when the first or second pusher 122, 123 is actuated, a third or a fourth track of the printed circuit is respectively earthed.

We see in Figure 5 the dial and the hands of the golf counter - wristwatch 100 made from the watch movement which has just been described. We recognize in FIG. 5 the hour hands 101 and minute hands 102 which are mounted in the center in a conventional manner. The second hand for it, which as already mentioned was scheduled to be mounted on an off-center axis at six o'clock, has been deleted. The axis provided for carrying this small second is used to carry a mobile 110 which has, in this particular example, the shape of a golf ball and whose function is essentially decorative.

The functions performed by the other four hands 104, 106, 107 and 108 visible in FIG. 5 are more or less the same as those fulfilled by the hands of the golf counter in FIG. 1. However, while the golf counter FIG. 1 golf comprises two external control members constituted by pushers 82 and 83, the watch movement used in the present example comprises, as we have said, three control members which are in this case two pushers 122, 123 and a rod 120 which can be brought into two pulled positions.

In the present example, the different positions of the stem are used as follows: one of the two positions drawn, the second in this case is used conventionally for resetting the watch, and the first position drawn for to it is used for the golf counter. By bringing the rod 120 from the pushed position to the first pulled position or vice versa, the user switches the golf counter between a first and a second operating mode. The two operating modes of the golf counter are, according to the present example, a first mode which is active when the rod is pushed back and which we will call hereinafter the "game" mode, and a second mode which is active when the rod is in its first position drawn and which we will call below the "programming" mode. It is essentially by the existence of these two particular operating modes that the present embodiment of the invention differs from that represented in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will however understand that it would be it is also possible to produce a golf counter operating in an identical manner to that of FIG. 1 using the watch caliber used here.

The functions fulfilled by the different needles in the embodiment described here differ very little from those of the hands of the golf counter in FIG. 1.

"The chronograph hand" 104 in particular is used here to display the "position", as does the central hand 4 of the counter in FIG. 1. The display of the "position" is done in the present example by compared to inscriptions 114 made in the surface of the watch bezel. This telescope has 18 positions numbered from 1 to 18 corresponding to the 18 holes of a golf course, plus a "START" position which allows the electronic module to be reset before the start of a game. Note also that the engine of the chronograph hand being in this movement, designed to take sixty steps per revolution of the dial, the engine will have to take three steps to go from one hole to the next.

The hands 107 and 108 visible in FIG. 5 and which are off-center at two o'clock and at ten o'clock respectively make it possible to display the number of points and the sign "+" or "-" in a manner very similar to that has been described in connection with Figure 1.

The second hand in the center 106 constituted by the "counter hand" of the chronograph movement allows, in "play" mode, that is to say in the pushed position of the control rod, to select or indicate the method of calculation used to determine the number of points to be indicated by the two hands 107 and 108. These different methods of calculating points are indicated by inscriptions practiced on the telescope concentrically inside the numbered positions corresponding to the holes. These inscriptions are as follows:

S indicates the method of calculating points "simple total" without subtracting the number of standard moves or the handicap.

SP indicates the method of calculating points "simple total" with subtraction of the standard number of strokes but without handicap.

SPH indicates the method of calculating points "simple total" with subtraction of the number of standard moves and the handicap.

Entries C, CP and CPH correspond to the same categories but for the method of calculating "cumulative total" points.

In programming mode, that is to say in the first position pulled from the control rod, the second needle in the center 106 is used to select parameters for programming while the first needle in the center 104 is used as previously to determine the hole of the route which is concerned.

The selection of the programming parameters by the hand 106 is done by means of a certain number of inscriptions arranged at the periphery of the dial. There are four of these inscriptions:

HCB1 indicates the position corresponding to the programming of the handicap for a first course.

HCB2 indicates the position corresponding to the handicap programming for a second course.

PAR1 indicates the position corresponding to the programming of the number of typical shots for a given first course.

PAR2 indicates the position corresponding to the programming of the number of typical moves for a second course.

The golf counter programming process typically takes place as follows:
the user pulls the crown to bring the rod 120 to the first pulled position and then brings the second hand to the center 106 opposite the inscription PAR1 or the inscription PAR2 to select the programming of the number of standard strokes respectively for a first or a second course. The movement of the needle 106 is controlled by the user by means of long pressure (at least one second in this example) exerted on the second pusher 123. During each long pressure exerted on the second pusher 123, the second needle at center 106 moves clockwise until the next dial is written. Once the programming parameter, for example PAR1, has been selected, the user brings the first hand to the center 104 opposite the number 1 written on the telescope, thus selecting the first hole of the course. The movement of the needle 104 is controlled by short-term pressures on the same pusher 123. Each short press moves the needle 104 from one indication to the next, clockwise. Once the needle 104 is stopped opposite the hole No 1, the user can program the number of standard strokes for the first hole of the course. It performs this programming by briefly pressing the first button 122 a number of times equal to the number of typical moves to be programmed. The number of presses on the first pusher 122 is displayed simultaneously by the hands 107 and 108. In the event of an error during the entry of the number of strokes, it is possible to subtract one or more strokes from the total which has just been programmed by exerting a corresponding number of long-lasting pressures (at least one second for example) on the first pusher 122.

Once the typical number of strokes for the first stroke has been programmed, the user proceeds to the programming of the second stroke by pressing briefly on the second pusher 123 so as to bring the first needle to the center 104 in front of the second hole.

The PAR2 position allows you to program the typical number of strokes for a second course. Thanks to this feature, the golf counter allows you to simultaneously keep in memory the number of standard strokes for two different golf courses. HCP1 and HCP2 indicators similarly allow you to program a handicap per hole also for two different courses.

Note that in game mode, that is to say in the pushed position of the control rod, the two pushers operate in the same way as what has just been described. In particular, the first pusher controls the two needles 107 and 108, a short press incrementing the stroke counter by one unit and a long press decrementing the counter by one unit. The first needle in the center 104 and the second needle in the center 106 are controlled by the second pusher 123, a short pressure actuating the needle 104 and a long pressure the needle 106.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the golf counter according to the invention. This embodiment is like the previous one, designed from the Eta® 251.262 movement. In accordance with what will be described in more detail below, the two most important features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 are, on the one hand, that programming of the electronic circuit is not necessary to take into account the " PAR "or the handicap of the player, and on the other hand to display the number of points simultaneously according to the simple total mode and the cumulative total mode.

The meter in Figure 6 has four hands in the center. It is an hour hand and a minute hand referenced respectively 201 and 202 and two hands 207 and 209 provided to cooperate both with a scale 219 located on the periphery of the dial and defining an hour turn of sixty graduations. Around the dial is arranged a rotating bezel carrying a scale 217 defining a second concentric hour turn of sixty graduations. The graduations of this second scale are numbered from -15 to 45, and the rotating bezel is further provided to receive a removable ring 227. This removable ring has on its upper face two concentric rows of indexes referenced respectively 227a and 227b designating particular positions on the 217 scale of the telescope to take into account the "PAR" and possibly also the handicap of a player.

The golf counter of FIG. 6 also comprises a hand 204 placed at two o'clock and associated with a scale 214 comprising eighteen positions corresponding to the eighteen holes of a golf course. The counter further comprises a hand 208 placed at ten o'clock and associated with a scale 218 graduated from thirty points to thirty points and making it possible to indicate a number of points up to a maximum of one hundred and eighty.

We also see in Figure 6 the control rod 220 and the two pushers 222, 223 of the caliber 251.262. In this embodiment, the control rod is only used for setting the time of the watch and for resetting the golf counter. the second position taken from the 251.262 caliber control rod fulfills in the present embodiment the counter reset function which the "start" position fulfills in the embodiments described above. The two pushers 222, 223 when they retain the function they had in the other embodiments.

This embodiment allows, by another distribution of the display functions fulfilled by the different hands, to simultaneously indicate the number of points corresponding to the simple total and that corresponding to the cumulative total. As we have already says, in the present embodiment, the holes of the course, 1 to 18, are displayed at two o'clock, while the points are displayed by one of the central hands 207 on the scale 219. As this scale comprises only sixty positions, the ten o'clock display indicates sixty, which gives a total counting capacity of one hundred and eighty points. The second central needle 209 remains available to indicate for example the total of stitches on the previous hole. The relative position of the two central needles 207 and 209 then indicates the number of strokes played on the last hole.

The points are displayed in absolute value, but the fact of displaying them by one of the central hands 207, 209 on the scale 219 allows a particular combination allowing the simultaneous reading of the points relative to the "PAR".

To this end, the watch includes a rotating bezel similar to that found on diving watches, comprising a graduation 217 of sixty positions from -15 to +45. This rotating bezel is positioned according to the "PAR" of the different holes. Thus, at the start, the 0 of the telescope is positioned at noon. When the player presents himself on hole 1, he advances the telescope by a number of steps corresponding to the "PAR" of hole 1. The player can then read directly on the graduation of the telescope a number of points which takes account of " BY". When the player arrives at hole 2, he advances the telescope by a number of steps corresponding to the "PAR" of hole 2, and so on for the following holes.

In Figure 6, the player is at hole 3 and has advanced his scope four steps to hole 1 (PAR 4), five steps to hole 2 (PAR 5), and three steps to hole 3 (PAR 3) , which represents twelve steps in total. The player currently has twenty-one points in total. by reading on the graduation of the telescope, it reads nine points, which represents 21 - 12 = 9, or its result compared to "PAR". If he had only 12 points, he would be at 0, and if he had only made 6 points, he would be at -6.

In addition, the two central needles 207, 209 are separated by four graduations, which means that the player has already made four strokes on hole 3 (simple total equal to four).

By this combination of rotating bezel and the second central hand 209 indicating the total of the points on the previous hole, the player can therefore directly obtain his result compared to the "PAR" and the number of strokes played on the hole. The only drawback results from the fact that it can be mistaken in moving the telescope, and that it has no means of simple verification during the journey.

A second original combination avoids this drawback. To this end, the watch includes a removable ring 227 comprising indexes whose positioning corresponds to a well-defined course, these indexes are numbered from 1 to 18 and corresponding to the eighteen holes of the course. The number of steps separating each index on the graduation corresponds to "PAR" for each hole of a determined course. When the total sum of "PAR" for all the holes of a given course exceeds sixty, the indexes are distributed on two concentric rows 227a and 227b. These indexes could naturally also be arranged in a single row in the form of a spiral on the removable ring. As all the routes are in principle different, as many removable rings 227 as there will be different routes. However, a player only uses a limited number of courses so that one or two rings will suffice.

If we refer to Figure 6, we see that it is enough for the player to position at noon the index corresponding to the hole on which he is playing. So, in the example, the player is at hole 3, and he has positioned index 3 of the removable ring at noon. Thus, he can read his result directly in relation to the "PAR" on the scale of the telescope. It should be clearly specified that the removable ring is integral in rotation with the rotating bezel, and that the points 0 of the bezel and the removable ring merge. To this end, the removable ring may include pins or be fixed to the rotating bezel by simple magnets. Many other forms of fixation are possible.

Finally, note that the graduation of the removable ring can take into account not only the particular characteristics of a specific course, but also the handicap of a determined player. The number of steps separating each hole on the graduation of the removable ring then corresponds to the "PAR" increased by the handicap of the player, distributed according to the difficulty of each hole. Thus, each player can have one or more removable rings personalized, depending on the course or courses he or she uses and his or her handicap.

US Patent No. 4,058,969 describes an analog electronic watch whose second hand advances at the rate of one step per second in normal operating mode, and which can, when certain predetermined conditions are met, operate in an abnormal mode where the seconds hand jumps forward four steps once every four seconds.

By integrating this possibility in the electronic module of caliber 251.262, it would be possible to ensure that the mobile 203 in the shape of a golf ball (Figure 6) advances, under normal conditions, every second by a step corresponding to 1/60 in turn, and when the stroke counter has just been incremented, the golf ball jumps forward every four seconds, for a predetermined time, before resuming its normal progression rate.

This possibility makes it possible to indicate to the player in an easily visible way whether or not he has counted his last stroke in the golf counter.

Claims (11)

1. Golf counter device provided to display data relating to a game of golf, in particular a number of points and a particular hole of a golf course, comprising manual inputting means (222,223) for introducing in particular a number of strokes and first selection and display means (10,21,22,23,24,25) able to be activated manually to select and display said particular hole, said device also comprising electronic counting, storing, processing and control means (44,45,48,49,60,52 etc.) to calculate and display a number of points, said number of points being according to a first operating mode of the device at least, calculated by taking account of said number of strokes introduced for each of the successively selected holes since the beginning of the game, said device being characterized in that it displays said data relating to a game of golf by means of hands (201,202,204, 207,208,209) arranged to move above a dial and driven independently of each other by stepping motors (24,29, 50,53) so as to cooperate with a plurality of scales (214,218,219,227), in that said first means for displaying a particular hole comprise a first of said hands (204) and a first of said scales (214), said first scale (214) comprising a plurality of positions which correspond respectively to different holes of a golf course, and in that said electronic means for displaying a number of points comprises at least a second hand (207,209) whose axis passes substantially through the centre of the dial and a second of said scales (217) which is concentric to the dial.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic means for displaying a number of points comprises two co-axial hands (207,209) whoses axes pass substantially through the centre of the dial.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said co-axial hands (207,209) are provided to indicate simultaneously the number of points corresponding to said particular hole (simple total) and the cumulative total.
4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that, in said first operating mode of the device, one of the centre hands displays the current number of points, whilst the other centre hands continue to display the number of points which was displayed when the player finished with the particular previously selected hole.
5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that once the number of strokes has been increased, a mobile organe visible on the dial changes its displacement mode during a predetermined period of time to indicate to the player that he has just introduced a stroke.
6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said scales (217) comprises a negative sector.
7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second scale (217) is carried by a rotating bezel, so as to enable the zero of said second scale to be staggered as desired so that said number of points displayed takes into account the model number of strokes for the course.
8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said rotating bezel comprises a detachable ring carrying indications relating to a particular course.
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said detachable ring carries indications relating to a particular player.
10. Analog display watch characterized in that it is combined with a golf counter device according to one or other of the preceding claims.
11. Analog watch according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a time setting crown able to be moved axially between a neutral position and at least two active positions, and in that a first of said active positions enables the time to be set, whilst a second of said active positions enables a model number of strokes (or "PAR") to be introduced and stored for each hole of a course.

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