WO2000009220A1

WO2000009220A1 - Method and scorecard for scoring the points particularly for golf

Info

Publication number: WO2000009220A1
Application number: PCT/FI1999/000590
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jorma Järvelä; Pekka Kauranen
Original assignee: Oy Jp Vision Technologies Ltd.
Priority date: 1998-08-14
Filing date: 1999-07-02
Publication date: 2000-02-24
Also published as: FI990618A0; AU5040199A; FI990618A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for scoring the points particularly for golf, said method comprising the use of a scorecard (T) on which each player records manually, such as by crossing off, puncturing, by graphic markings made thereon and/or the like, at least a number of strokes taken for each hole, and a data processor whereby a game score is machine calculable on the basis of information fed therein by inserting the scorecard (T) after the game into a reader which is at least in data transfer communication with the data processor for machine reading the markings made on the scorecard (T) during the game and for further determining the game score with the data processor on the basis of the total number of strokes calculated from the scorecard (T). The process of filling out the scorecard (T) includes recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player, preferably on a mark-in-square principle or the like, in an HCP handicap grid (1) or the like present on the scorecard (T). The invention relates also to a scorecard for use in the method.

Description

Method and scorecard for scoring the points particularly for golf

The present invention relates to a method for scoring the points particularly for golf, said method comprising the use of a scorecard on which each player records manually, such as by crossing off, puncturing, by graphic markings made thereon and/or the like, at least a number of strokes taken for each hole, and a data processor whereby a game score is machine calculable on the basis of information fed therein by inserting the scorecard after the game into a reader which is at least m data transfer communication with the data processor for machine reading the markings made on the scorecard during the game and for further determining the game score with the data processor on the basis of the total number of strokes calculated from the scorecard.

At present, the scoring m golf proceeds such that, e.g. in a two-player game, the golfers cross-mark two scorecards by writing down numerically the stroke score achieved on each hole. After the game, the cards of a player and a score keeper are compared for checking that the strokes scored on each player's card match each other. This is usually followed by performing a manual summing for the total number of strokes by adding together from the scorecard the stroke scores on a hole-by-hole basis, which is further followed by performing the calculation of a game score, which is determined by applying bonus points or the like, depending on a type of play, such as match play, stroke play or the like, and a personal handicap. In practice, the above processes can be performed by using a computer present on a golf course, which always requires the input of each note recorded on a scorecard during a round of golf, and of course personal and/or game-related information as well, regarding particularly a personal handicap and a type of golf game that has been played, e.g. for the calculation and printing of a final game score.

The above practice involves a number of drawbacks, the most obvious ones including the inconvenience of working out a score after a round of golf e.g. on an 18-hole course, first due to the necessity of calcula- ting the total stroke scores and secondly, in particular, the determination of a final score per game, which is in turn tedious due to rather complicated handicap and scoring systems typical for golf. The use of a conventional scorecard is also laborious in the sense that recording stroke scores on a golf course in the thick of a game may result in illegible entries, which further hampers the actual scoring. Furthermore, when the scoring is carried out by using e.g. a golf club's computer, an access to the computer often requires queuing. In addition, the input of information into a database is always a slow and laborious process with an abundance of single pieces of information to be keyed in. Moreover, e.g. for upgrading one's personal handicap, the scorecard must be delive- red e.g. to the secretary of one's own golf club who is forced to perform the same manual or computer- assisted procedures as described above for working out a personal handicap in order to securely record the new personal handicap further in the club's register of players.

On the other hand, the International publication WO 97/22388, the published application GB 2,227,417, and the published application DE 3,237,586 disclose solutions of the above type, wherein the stroke scores are recorded e.g. by puncturing, scratching, or marking a scorecard. The scorecard filled out during a game is further inserted after the game in a reader included in a data processor for identifying the notes made on the scorecard, e.g. optically, and for the "computerised" calculation of game scores.

The above-cited solutions have not provided a decisive remedy to the existing problems, either, and thus, have not gained much popularity in actual game conditions. This is due to the fact that the type of systems disclosed in the above-cited references are based on quite complicated hardware, as well as on the fact that the process of inserting the cards in a reader still requires that some of the information be input by keying for providing the data processing unit with all necessary information, particularly in view of calculating and updating a personal handicap.

It is an object of the method of this invention to provide a decisive remedy to the above-described problems and hence to essentially raise the available state of the art. In order to achieve this object, a method of the invention is principally characterized in that the process of filling out a scorecard includes recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player, preferably on a mark-in-square principle or the like, in an HCP handicap grid or the like present on the scorecard.

One of the major benefits gained by a method of the invention is its user-friendliness, particularly in terms of playing convenience, which improves remarkably from what it is at present. This is particularly by virtue of the fact that, first of all, there is no need to carry out tedious post-game summation procedu- res and then even more inconvenient final calculations, e.g. for working out a final game score or a personal handicap score. On the other hand, by virtue of the method, there is no need either, e.g. when using optical readers, to feed in a single piece of information manually but, instead, the data processing unit is capable of performing necessary calculations on the basis of just reading the scorecard. Consequently, by virtue of the method, a golfer will be able to spend his or her time more efficiently, e.g. for more sociable after-game activities. Furthermore, in this conjunction, there will be no queuing e.g. to the computer, as it is possible to have the scorecard read very quickly and reliably e.g. by means of a reader based on a matrix camera, in addition to which the false interpretations of entries can also be readily eliminated when applying the method.

Preferred embodiments for a method of the invention are set forth in the non-independent claims directed to a method.

The invention relates also to a scorecard for implementing the above method, said scorecard being defined more precisely in the preamble section of an independent claim directed thereto. The features essentially characteristic for the scorecard are set forth in the characterizing clause of the same claim.

The most important benefits gained by a scorecard of the invention include its convenience in use, it being possible for a player to record in an extremely simple and reliable fashion, e.g. by crossing off or cross- marking, a stroke score obtained on each hole and, more importantly, to mark even beforehand his or her personal handicap in an HCP handicap grid present on the scorecard. By virtue of this, it is possible to work out the post-calculation as quickly as possible and completely automatically, whereby the reading of a scorecard does not necessarily require a manual input of any information into a data processor as the latter receives all its information directly from the scorecard. Furthermore, when utilizing a scorecard of the invention, there will be no problems e.g. in terms of illegible entries, which are always a problem in the interpretation of graphic notes. Still moreover, the use of a pre-printed and/or partially filled grid makes it possible to perform extremely reliably and quickly the recording and reading of also personal and game-specific information e.g. by means of a reader based on a matrix camera. In a preferred embodiment, the scorecard is further adapted to be usable in such a way that, on the one hand, the scorecard is provided e.g. with a plastic-based manufacturing/coating material and, on the other hand, the entries are made with a recording implement producing an erasable mark. Thus, each golf course may order mechanically resistant, reusable scorecards, which can be "zeroed" after each game for recycling.

Preferred embodiments for a scorecard of the invention are set forth in the non-independent claims directed to a scorecard.

The invention will now be described in detail while reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein

fig. 1 shows one preferred scorecard useful in a method of the invention,

fig. 2 shows a score printout outputted with a logic consistent with the scorecard for a stroke play, and

fig. 3 shows further a score calculation alternative to fig. 2, especially for a stableford play. The invention relates to a method for scoring the points particularly for golf, said method comprising the use of a scorecard T on which each player records manually, such as by crossing off, puncturing, by graphic notes made thereon and/or the like, at least a number of strokes taken for each hole, and a data processor whereby the game score is machine calculable on the basis of information fed therein by inserting the scorecard T after the game into a reader which is at least in data transfer communication with the data processor for machine reading the notes made on the scorecard T during the game and for further determining a game score with the data processor on the basis of the total number of strokes calculated from the scorecard T. The process of filling the scorecard T includes recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player, preferably on a mark-in-square principle or the like, in an HCP handicap grid 1 or the like present on the scorecard T.

By virtue of the above, it is possible that the post- calculation of a scorecard and the output of a score calculation or printout be carried out directly from the scorecard, e.g. by means of a picture taken with a matrix camera. Especially in reference to fig. 1, the HCP handicap grid has its top line intended for tens, the next for ones, and the bottom line for decimals. Furthermore, the columns are numbered from zero to nine. Thus, e.g. a player's handicap 18,4 is marked on the scorecard T basically as shown in fig. 2.

The scorecard T to be filled in compliance with the above principle is functionally completely compatible with automatic imaging, since the reading and storing thereof in a data processor involves no necessary manual feeding of numbers. On the other hand, the above type of scorecard can also be filled in a traditional fashion by recording numbers if, for some reason, a player is not willing to make use of a computer-based operating environment.

Referring still to a preferred embodiment depicted particularly in fig. 1, the positivity or negativity of a personal handicap is further recorded in a sign square 3 present on the scorecard T. Thus, it is possible, even in the recording of a scorecard, to take into account the fact that a player's handicap can be either negative (= strokes are subtracted from the player's score, i.e. he or she is credited by the number of strokes indicated by his or her handicap) or positive (= strokes are added to a player's score in the number indicated by his or her handicap) . As for the type of scorecard T depicted in fig. 1, it is possible to apply e.g. the principle that, if the sign square 3 carries no crossmark, i.e. the square is blank, the HCP recordings of the card has a default value which is negative, i.e. consistent with the most common situation. In turn, if a player's handicap is a positive number, this square is marked and, hence, in the process of reading the scorecard, the calcula- tion program takes into consideration a crossmark in this square and calculates a score with the positive handicap in mind. On the other hand, the scorecard T of fig. 1 is also provided with a handicap round square 2 , which can be marked by the player such that the scorecard corresponds to a so-called handicap round which has an impact on the handicap. Thus, in the process of reading a scorecard, the round is identified as a handicap round by the calculation program, which makes an equivalent entry e.g. in the monitoring database of a club, whereby the club officials understand that the round has been a handicap round to modify the handicap accordingly. In a further preferred application of the method, the scorecard T is marked to indicate lifting of the ball or an unfinished hole in a zero column 0. This facilitates particularly the playing of the most common type of play, i.e. Stableford, which involves the calculation of bogey scores and wherein, in practice, the player nearly always does at least one hole without a score, meaning that he or she has lifted the ball without completing the hole. This function is also capable of operating the reader and software of the scorecard T in the most common cases automatically without the player having to input any type of information numerically. On the other hand, if a player has failed to record any score at all for a hole, the reader will then request the relevant piece of information with a perceivable signal, the player having to input such information manually e.g. from the reader keyboard for the calculation of a final score. A situation like this may become relevant e.g. when a player has played a hole to a score of more than 19 strokes .

In a yet further preferred application of the method, the number of strokes taken for each hole is recorded in the score grid of the scorecard T by using, if necessary, two entries 5 relating to the same hole. For example, when filling the scorecard T of fig. 1, the stroke score of a player can be recorded all the way up to 19 strokes in view of automatic reading. Consistent with what is designated by reference numeral 5, a stroke score 13 is thus indicated by means of two crossmarks on the same line. This principle is a further contribution to the above-described principle in the sense that it is possible to feed a scorecard into a data processor completely without manual procedures . Still, in a preferred application of the method, faulty entries in the score grid are corrected by eliminating, e.g. by blackening an entire incorrect square 6 , and by recording a correct score in a proper square/squares with an unequivocal entry. Hence, e.g. in an image taken by the matrix camera of a reader, the blackened square is completely overlooked in the process of calculating a score, as it carries too much colour with respect to a normal entry. This is a highly essential feature in terms of performing automatic reading, by virtue of which the user- friendliness and easy applicability of a scorecard will be maintained at the same time.

In a further preferred application of the method, the entries present on the scorecard T, such as a number of strokes per hole, a type of game to be played and/or the like, are identified by means of a reader automatically as described above, such as optically or in a similar fashion, for further performing the machine calculation of a game score by means of a data processor for determining or recording a final score, depending particularly on a type of play, match play, stroke play and/or the like, and/or for outputting the same by means of an outputting unit, such as a printer and/or the like, or for some other similar purpose. When applying a method of the presently described type, after a completed game there is preferably first printed each player's previous (old) and post-game calculated present (new) personal handicap score in a handicap calculation grid 13 present on a printout, corresponding essentially to the scorecard T in terms of appearance, for maintaining especially a player- specific handicap register up to date. In this con- junction, reference is made e.g. to score calculations shown in figs. 2 and 3. In this context, the invention has its significance in the fact that it is highly important for a player and a club to always know precisely the current handicap of each player. The automatic operation of a data processor and a reader enables maintaining the handicap register of a player up to date in real time after each handicap round .

In a further preferred application of the method, the entries present on the scorecard T are read by means of a reader, such as a matrix camera or the like, by utilizing, as depicted in fig. 1, essentially a mid- portion 7 of each square, the safety zone surrounding it in each square being ignored. This enables a reliable reading of the scorecard and calculation of final scores in all conditions irrespective of entries possibly extending beyond the square outlines or a wrinkled scorecard.

The invention relates also to a scorecard, especially for the above purpose, which is characterized by, particularly in reference to the preferred scorecard T depicted in fig. 1, an HCP handicap grid 1 provided thereon and fillable on a mark-in-square principle or the like, which is intended for recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player.

In a preferred scorecard embodiment, the scorecard T is further provided with a sign square 3, especially for recording the positivity or negativity of a personal handicap, and/or a handicap round square 2, especially for recording a round of golf having no impact on the handicap, and/or a zero column 0 for recording the lifting of the ball, i.e. the failure to complete a hole, especially in a type of play based on the calculation of bogey points, such as Stableford.

In a further preferred scorecard embodiment, it is provided with a driving tee grid 8 (e.g. in the order of a white, yellow, blue, and red column) , particularly for determining a personal Slope-handicap for a player on the basis of the player's personal handicap, and/or a grid 9 for recording the gender of a player, and/or a stroke column 10 for recording the stroke score of a playing partner and/or a particular player graphically or in a corresponding manner.

The contents of a tee grid shown in fig. 1 with reference numeral 8 constitute a decisive piece of information in terms of determining a player's personal Slope-handicap on the basis of his or her regular handicap. By putting a crossmark in a respec- tive driving tee square, the reader is provided with information for effecting the reading and calculation on the basis of course rating and slope numbers. Such course-specific information is fed into the memory of a data processor and/or into the scorecard T, as shown in figs. 2 and 3, prior to the commissioning of such apparatus. As it is important to know the tee marking in view of the automatic operation of a reader, it is likewise important to know the gender of player since the course rating and slope number are always depen- dent on the player's gender. Thus, by marking a cross in a corresponding square 9 in the scorecard, this information is automatically supplied for the calculation of final scores. Referring further to reference numeral 10, it is another essential part of the game that a player's score is recorded in the scorecard by his or her playing partner or a so-called marker. The marker can record his or her own score in this column normally by using numbers. The player's score can also be recorded by using ordinary numbers for enhanced visuality. On the other hand, if it is not desirable to use an automatic reader for the calculation of a score, the recording can also be handled in accordance with current practice by using manual entries and calculations. This possibility is highly important e.g. for a golf club not having to have two types of scorecard printed, but one and the same scorecard is sufficient for each case. At the same time, those players who need no automatic reader are offered a traditional way of using the scorecard.

In a further preferred scorecard embodiment, the same is adapted to be recycled, preferably by using a plastic-based or the like manufacturing/coating material in the scorecard and by making the entries with a recording implement producing an erasable mark.

Referring further to the score calculations shown in figs. 2 and 3, the player using automatic score keeping is always entitled to receive for his or her disposal a printout, which is why the reader is connected e.g. to an ordinary printer. After the scorecard is imaged and the final score established, the scores obtained by a player during a round are outputted on a printout e.g. exactly like the one shown in figs. 2 and 3. In the printouts, two extreme right-hand columns 11 are modified to serve in a player's score keeping by displaying the number of strokes per hole if the hole has been completed, as well as, respectively, the stableford points for the hole. These scores are also added together after the first nine holes and displayed in the printout on a separate line. This score service is highly essential if the player wishes to record his or her stroke score e.g. in the club's database in order to monitor the hole-by-hole development of his or her game during and after a season.

Furthermore, as shown with reference numeral 12 in figs. 2 and 3, the score calculation always includes a display of stableford points received by a player, which, e.g. according to the handicap regulations of Finnish Golf Association, constitute a critical piece of information regarding the reassessment of a handicap.

Furthermore, the score calculation preferably always discloses also a date for a player's round of golf, e.g. m a space 14, which is an important piece of information m many instances, especially regarding the change of a handicap. When a golfer plays e.g. on a course away from home, the home club must be supplied with information about a completed handicap round or competition as soon as possible. The calendar and clock included m the computer function also as database organizers. The completed rounds set m such a chronological order facilitate scanning of the database. In a further preferred embodiment, the data processor is set up m such a way that it enables e.g. the upkeep of a club's register for playing members.

Thus, when a player wishes to record the score of a completed round m the computer's database, he or she uses his or her membership number or a magnetic card for identification. Hence, the information is recorded m the possession of him- or herself and the club for subsequent use. The printout will also reveal a player's name m a space 15 for the immediate observation of false strokes. At the same time, the printout serves both the player and the club as a paper copy. Further according to fig. 2, the score calculation will also show m the stroke play printout a total number of strokes m a space 16. In the same conjunction, the data processor linked with the reader has determined a net score corrected with the Slope- handicap of a player, which is at this point also printed m the same space. Also the score for a player on the first nine and the back nine holes can be printed separately, as shown. Furthermore, the hole-' specific scores obtained during a stroke play competition and an ordinary stroke play round can also be printed separately in a column reserved therefor on the printout in the space 16.

It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the above-illustrated or described applications, but it can be modified in a variety of ways within the scope of the basic inventional concept. Thus, e.g. the above-described type of e.g. optical reader solutions facilitate first of all the filling of a scorecard as simply as possible, as well as a reliable reading accuracy therefor. In this conjunction, it is natural - ly possible to make use of readers based e.g. on the recognition of form, in which case, however, the risk of false interpretations increases or it will be necessary to use a certain type of graphical markings, the recording of which during a game on a golf course may nevertheless lead to practical problems. Naturally, it is possible that the reading unit be comprised of one or more separate readers which are connectable in a wireless or wired manner to a given data processor presently in use, but of course, in addition to infrared-connected systems, it is also possible to use radio-frequency operated data transmission systems in the communication between a reader and a data processor. By virtue of its speed alone, the process of the invention eliminates considerably a risk of necessary queuing, but naturally it is possible to link e.g. a plurality of readers to a common computer, e.g. in view of competition events. Furthermore, it is of course possible to design a scorecard, even in terms of its appearance, to be other than a graphical solution. Besides, it is naturally possible to supplement a scorecard with possibly relevant personal, game-related, or the like information.

Claims

1. A method for scoring the points particularly for golf, said method comprising the use of a scorecard (T) on which each player records manually, such as by crossing off, puncturing, by graphic markings made thereon and/or the like, at least a number of strokes taken for each hole, and a data processor whereby a game score is machine calculable on the basis of information fed therein by inserting the scorecard (T) after the game into a reader which is at least in data transfer communication with the data processor for machine reading the markings made on the scorecard (T) during the game and for further determining the game score with the data processor on the basis of the total number of strokes calculated from the scorecard (T) , characterized in that the process of filling out the scorecard (T) includes recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player, preferably on a mark- in-square principle or the like, in an HCP handicap grid (1) or the like present on the scorecard (T) .

2. A method as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the positivity or negativity of a personal handicap is recorded in a sign square (3) or the like present on the scorecard (T) , and/or that a so-called handicap round, which has an impact on the handicap, is recorded in a handicap round square (2) or the like present on the scorecard (T) .

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that in a type of play based especially on the calculation of bogey points, such as in Stableford, the scorecard (T) is marked to indicate lifting of the ball, failing to complete a hole, in a zero column (0) .

4. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that the number of strokes played for each hole is recorded on the scorecard (T) in a score grid by using, if necessary, two entries (5) relating to one and the same hole.

5. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized in, that faulty entries in the score grid are corrected by eliminating, such as by blackening essentially an entire faulty square (6) , and by recording a correct score in a proper square/squares with an unequivocal marking.

6. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-5, wherein the entries present on the scorecard (T) , such as a number of strokes per hole, a type of game to be played and/or the like, are identified by means of a reader automatically, such as optically or in a similar fashion, for further perfor- ming the machine calculation of a game score by means of a data processor for determining or recording a final score, depending particularly on a type of play, match play, stroke play and/or the like, and/or for outputting the same by means of an outputting unit, such as a printer and/or the like, or for some other similar purpose, characterized in that after a completed game, there is preferably printed each player's previous (old) and post-game calculated present (new) personal handicap score in a handicap calculation grid (13) present on a printout, preferably corresponding essentially to the scorecard (T) in terms of appearance, for maintaining especially a player-specific handicap register up to date.

7. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims 1-6, characterized in that, in the process of reading the scorecard (T) , the entries present in its 11

score grid are read by means of a reader, such as a matrix camera or the like, by utilizing essentially a mid-portion (7) of each square, the safety zone surrounding it in each square being ignored.

8. A scorecard for scoring the points particularly for golf, on which each player records manually, such as by crossing off, puncturing, by graphic markings made thereon and/or the like, at least a number of strokes taken for each hole especially for reading the entries made on the scorecard (T) during a game and for further determining a game score automatically by means of a data processor and a reader, which is at least in data transfer communication therewith, on the basis of the total number of strokes calculated from the scorecard

(T) , characterized in that the scorecard is provided with an HCP handicap grid (1) or the like fillable on a mark-in-square principle or the like for recording an accurate handicap (HCP) for a player on the scorecard (T) .

9. A scorecard as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that the scorecard (T) is provided with a sign square (3), especially for recording the positivity or negativity of a personal handicap, and/or a handicap round square (2), especially for recording a round of golf having an impact/no impact on the handicap, and/or a zero column (0) for recording the lifting of the ball, i.e. the failure to complete a hole, especially in a type of play based on the calculation of bogey points, such as Stableford.

10. A scorecard as set forth in claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the scorecard (T) is provided with a driving tee grid (8) (such as white, yellow, blue, and red) , especially for determining a course- specific Slope-handicap for a player on the basis of the player's personal handicap, and/or a grid (9) for recording the gender of a player, and/or a stroke column (10) for recording the stroke score of a playing partner and/or a player graphically or in a corresponding manner.

11. A scorecard as set forth in any of the preceding claims 8-10, characterized in that the same is adapted to be recycled, preferably by using a plastic-based or the like manufacturing/coating material in the scorecard and by making the entries with a recording implement producing an erasable mark.