United States Patent [191
`Martz et a1.
`
`[54]
`
`[76]
`
`[21]
`[22]
`
`[63]
`
`[51]
`[52]
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`ELECTRONIC SCORECARD FOR GOLF
`
`Inventors:
`
`Appl. No.:
`Filed:
`
`Kenneth L. Martz, 1532 Canadian
`Trail, Plano, Tex. 75023; Roger L.
`Nations, Rte. 2, Anna, Tex. 75003
`890,408
`Mar. 27, 1978
`
`Related US. Application Data
`Continuation‘in-part of Ser. No. 787,617, Apr. 14,
`1977, abandoned.
`
`Int. Cl.2 ....................... G06F 15/44; A63B 57/00
`
`US. Cl.
`364/411; 273/162 A
`Field of Search ................ 364/411, 900 MS File;
`235/92 GA; 273/162 A, 32 R
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8/1940 Barteaux ...................... 273/162 A X
`5/1972
`Baumoel
`....... 364/410
`
`11/1974
`Inoue
`273/32 R X
`
`2,2 1 1,635
`3,665,494
`3,847,] 10
`
`[11]
`4,142,236
`
`[45]
`Feb. 27, 1979
`
`3,974,483
`3,999,050
`4,041,291
`
`10/1976
`12/1976
`8/1977
`
`
`Brunson ............. 235/92 GA X
`Pitroda
`364/419
`
`
`Pavda ..............
`364/705
`
`Primary Examiner—David H. Malzahn
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Richards, Harris & Medlock
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`An electronic scorecard for golf includes a keyboard
`having keys or switches representative of the digits 0-9
`and commands. A preprogrammed microprocessor is
`responsive to manipulation of the keyboard to store in
`memory golf course data and player scoring data for
`multiple players. Appropriate manipulation of the key-
`board commands the microprocessor to perform arith-
`metic operations on certain of said data. A display con-
`nected to the microprocessor visually presents the de-
`sired data or results individual to each player for com-
`parison during the game.
`
`15 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures
`
`YARDS
`
`STK PLR
`
`HOLE
`
`78X?
`
`TOTA L
`sraoxas PL“
`
`HOLE PAR
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 1
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 1
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Feb. 27, 1979
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`4,142,236
`
`'
`
`'
`
`TOTAL
`TOTAL
`HOLE
`PAR
`STROKES PLR
`l_ly
`‘l
`I:
`HIIIEEEII
`HOLE PAR
`YARDS
`STK PLR
`
`
`
`FIG.I
`
`,5 A?)
`3.13%?
`3i
`IQMWL—Le/k’e—ILH
`=
`36/;
`
`33
`
`FIG. 2
`
`FIG.4
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 2
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 27, 1979
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`4,142,236
`
`>+.I‘m
`
`vm
`
`‘Nmwm_
`
`MNNN_NONm.m_tm.Sm_
`
`
`
`>+.
`
`mm
`
`lowmm
`
`_NNNMNGNmmmmhm
`
`hm0._
`
`.N_m..1m.0_tm_m.
`
`
`
`10.5Jmoms
`
`Nowemg3co«m5monomo
`
`a.m
`
`\Ll2mmmm
` EMMMI-”ME—r: fi-IIHHInnflMMMIIII-n
`
`
`\----mm{HvnE/mm
`
`m.932mi2531n.
`tI2mm‘mm
`,1>+
`
`
`
`mmBOQ>moz<._.m
`
`
`
`
`
`
`qlflmiflflJ
`
`m_2m_N.
`
`ONm0.__
`
`N _m
`
`owmo_:m.
`
`m:
`
`~
`
`ONI.>+
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 3
`
`h.HmmDHH
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 3
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U..S. Patent
`
`Feb. 27, 1979
`
`Sheet 3 of3
`
`4,142,236
`
`STK IH,P)=T0,TI
`T0,Tl
`= O, O
`
`
`
`DIG ITS
`COUNT
`
`DISPLAY
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 50
`
` CLEAR
`
`
`
`
` TOTAL STROKES AND
`
`SET
`ERROR
`
`PAR OVER FRONT
`NINE FOR PLAYERIP)
`
`
`
`TOTAL STROKES AND
`
`PAR OVER BACK
`
`
`
`NINE FOR PLAYERIP)
`
`
`
`
` TOTAL ALL STROKES
`AND PAR FOR
`RESET
`PLAYER (P)
`
`ENTER
`ACTIVE
`
`
`SUBROUTINE CHAR
`
`PLAYER =
`FIG. 5b
`PLAYER+ l
`
`
`LAYER=
`
`DlGlT
`
`
`CONVERT 8x
`
`STORE IN
`HOLE POINTER
`
`
`CLEAR
`ERROR
`
`
`
`m P
`
`STORE IN
`YARDSIHI
`
`
` CLEAR
`STROKES
`
`SET STK
`
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 4
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 4
`
`

`

`1
`
`4,142,236
`
`ELECTRONIC SCORECARD FOR GOLF
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of applica-
`tion Ser. No. 787,617, filed Apr. 14, 1977, now aban-
`doned.
`
`BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`5
`
`10
`
`2
`According to more specific aspects of the invention,
`a handheld electronic scorecard for golf comprises
`input means, processing means, memory means and
`output means. The scorecard has two modes of opera-
`tion. In the program mode, the yardage and par values
`for each hole of the golf course are entered by means of
`a keyboard included in the input means. A prepro-
`grammed microprocessor takes this data and stores it in
`a memory for subsequent retrieval and use. The mem-
`ory is continuously powered so that data storage is
`maintained for at least the duration of the game. In the
`play mode, the stroke values for each hole of the golf
`course individual to each one of a multiplicity of players
`are similarly entered and stored for subsequent retrieval
`and use. By appropriate manipulation of the keyboard,
`the data for a preselected hole, or the accumulated par
`and stroke values after play of several holes, individual
`to each player can be selectively displayed for visual
`comparison by the player on a digital display included
`in the output means.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`The present invention relates generally to a device
`for keeping score during a game of golf. More particu-
`larly,
`this invention concerns a handheld electronic
`scorecard for receiving, storing and displaying golf [5
`course and player scoring information.
`The game of golf has become extremely popular in
`the United States as well as in other countries. The
`game is played outdoors on a golf course with golf balls
`and a set of different types of golf clubs. The standard 20
`golf course consists of eighteen units of play, commonly
`referred to as holes. Each hole is assigned a numerical
`value known as par, which represents the number of
`strokes required by an expert to play the ball from the
`tee into the hole on the green. The par value for each
`hole is determined by the distance between the tee and
`the green together with any obstacles or hazards which
`may be located therebetween. Consequently the par
`value is an indicator of the difficulty of the hole. The
`par value for the course is simply the cumulative par
`values of the holes. The player score is simply the cu-
`mulative stroke values required to play the holes. The
`objective of the game is to skillfully play the ball into
`each hole with the fewest number of strokes.
`Scoring during a game is commonly kept on a hole by
`hole basis. At the present this is mostly done manually
`by writing on a paper scorecard the number of strokes
`required at the completion of each hole. If desired for
`comparison purposes, the subtotals of the par and stroke
`values can be figured at the same time. These subtotals,
`of course, must be refigured after each hole. It will thus
`be apparent that this continual score keeping and figur-
`ing can be a considerable distraction and nuisance not
`only to each golfer, but also to the other golfers with
`whom he or she is playing. Although present electronic
`devices could be employed, the results are unsatisfac-
`tory. Heretofore such prior art devices have been inca-
`pable of maintaining scoring and course data for multi-
`ple players over the lengthy time period required for a
`game. There is thus a need for a portable scoring device 50
`for quickly and conveniently manipulating such data.
`The present invention comprises an electronic score-
`card for golf which overcomes the foregoing problems
`and other difficulties associated with the prior art. In
`accordance with the broader aspects of the invention, 55
`the yardage and par values for each hole of the golf
`course are entered by appropriate manipulation of a
`keyboard and electronically stored. During play, the
`stroke value for each hole individual to each player is
`also entered by manipulation of the keyboard and elec-
`tronically stored. This data is available for proceSsing
`and display at any time during play. The information for
`a particular hole, or the accumulated par and stroke
`values after play of the desired number of holes can be
`selectively displayed for reference purposes by any One 65
`of the players. Use of the invention eliminates the dis-
`tracting and time consuming operations typical of the
`prior art approaches to score keeping.
`
`35
`
`45
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`A more complete understanding of the invention can
`be had by reference to the following Detailed Descrip—
`tion when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
`Drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic
`scorecard for golf incorporating the invention;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the power supply
`utilized in the invention;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the circuitry utilized
`in the invention;
`FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating one typical connec-
`tion to the display; and
`FIGS. 5a and 5b are detailed flow charts of the pro-
`gram employed in the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Referring now to the Drawings, wherein like refer-
`ence characters designate like or corresponding parts
`throughout the several views, and particularly referring
`to FIG. 1, there is shown an electronic scorecard for
`golf 10 incorporating the invention. The scorecard 10
`includes a casing 12 of generally shallow, box-like con-
`figuration. The casing 12 can be constructed of any
`suitable material, such as high impact plastic. The cas-
`ing 12 is of compact overall dimensions so that the
`scorecard 10 can be easily carried by any golfer. As will
`be described more fully hereinafter, all'of the compo-
`nents comprising the scorecard 10 are contained in or
`on the casing 12.
`The controls for operating the scorecard 10 are found
`on the front panel 14 of casing 12. The panel 14 includes
`switches 16 and 18. The switch 16 comprises a power
`switch having ON and OFF positions. The switch 18
`comprises a mode select switch having PROGRAM
`and PLAY positions. A digital display 20 is provided
`near the top of panel 14. The display 20 is preferably of
`the type characterized by low power consumption and
`high visibility under daylight conditions: Legends are
`imprinted on the panel 14 above and below the display
`20 for correlation of the information displayed. For
`example, the digits shown on the display 20 in FIG. 1
`could represent that player number one required six
`strokes to play hole number nine, which has a par value
`of three and a yardage value of 205. Alternatively, the
`same readout on the display 20 could represent that
`player number one required 56 strokes against the total
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 5
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 5
`
`

`

`4,142,236
`
`3
`par value of 32 to play the first nine holes of the golf
`course. It will thus be apparent that the display 20 com—
`prises the output means for visually presenting certain
`golf course and player information.
`A keyboard 22 is also provided on panel 14 for selec-
`tively entering certain information into the scorecard
`10. The keyboard'22 is comprised of 16 push-style or
`touch button keys or switches. The keys representative
`of the numerals 0—9, plus the keys labeled HOLE and
`FRONT NINE are single function keys. The remainder
`of the keys in the keyboard 22 are dual function keys
`whose purpose depends upon the position of the mode
`switch 18. For example, the PLR/YARDS key is uti-
`lized to enter the yardage value in the program mode,
`but is utilized to enter the player number in the play
`mode. Likewise, the STK/PAR key is employed to
`enter par values in the program mode, but functions to
`enter stroke values in the play mode. The other dual
`function keys of the keyboard 22 operate similarly. It
`will thus be appreciated that the keyboard 22 functions
`as the input means for entering golf course and player
`information into the scorecard 10, as well as for initiat-
`ing predetermined operations thereby.
`Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown the
`circuitry employed in the scorecard 10. In particular,
`FIG. 2 illustrates the power supply 30 for energizing
`the various components of the scorecard 10 shown in
`FIG. 3. The power supply 30 includes a battery 32
`connected between ground potential and one terminal
`of power switch 16. A rechargeable nickel cadmium
`type battery generating approximately 5 volts DC can
`be utilized for battery 32. The power switch 16, which
`is located on the front panel 14, is a normally open
`single pole/single throw (SPST) switch. When the
`switch 16 is closed, current flow indicated as +V is
`established through line 34. It will be understood that
`power supply line 34 is connected wherever +V ap-
`pears in the wiring diagram of FIG. 3. A bypass capaci-
`tor 36 is provided between the line 34 and ground po-
`tential to bypass electronic noise produced by compo-
`nents in scorecard 10. A line 38 is connected to the
`battery 32 in front of the switch 16 and is thus indepen-
`dent of the position of switch 16. It will be understood
`that
`line 38 is connected wherever the designation
`STANDBY POWER appears on the Wiring schematic
`of FIG. 3. Line 38 is utilized to maintain power to prese—
`lected components within the scorecard 10 without
`regard to operation of switch 16. It will thus be appar-
`ent that line 38 can only be deenergized by removal of
`the battery 32.
`The various components energized by the power
`supply 30 are shown in FIG. 3. The keyboard 22 is
`connected to the display 20 and a microprocessor 40. As
`discussed hereinbefore, the keyboard 22 is comprised of
`sixteen keys representative of the numerals 0-9 and
`certain commands. Any suitable keyboard character-
`ized by low power consumption can be utilized for the
`keyboard 22. In the preferred embodiment of the inven-
`tion, keyboard 22 comprises a conventional 4 x 4 ma-
`trix type keyboard having eight connections thereto.
`Lines R1, R2,. R3 and R4 comprise the input connec-
`tions for keyboard 22. Lines C1, C2, C3 and C4 com-
`prise the output connections for the keyboard 22. The
`output lines C1, C2, C3 and C4 of keyboard 22 are
`connected through resistors 42, 44, 46 and 48 to +V of
`the power supply 30, and are maintained in a logic high
`level thereby. Depressing a predetermined key on the
`keyboard 22 closes a circuit between a preselected pair
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`of input and output lines so that a unique combination of
`logic levels is produced by lines C1-C4 and R1—R4. A
`binary representation corresponding to depression of a
`preselected key on the keyboard 22 is thus effected.
`The output terminals of the keyboard 22 are con-
`nected to the input terminals of the microprocessor 40.
`The microprocessor 40 is a single chip, self contained
`unit having its own central processing unit, read only
`memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM) and
`appropriate input/output controls. As will be described
`more fully hereinafter, the ROM portion of the micro-
`processor 40 is preprogrammed to perform various
`operations responsive to manipulation of the keyboard
`22.
`Any of several commercially available microproces-
`sors characterized by low power consumption and suffi-
`cient RAM and ROM capacities can be utilized for the
`microprocessor 40. An example of a suitable micro-
`processor is the Model 8049 manufactured by the Intel
`Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif In accordance with
`the preferred construction, which employs the Model
`8049 microprocessor, lines C1, C2, C3 and C4 of key-
`board 22 are connected to pins 30, 29, 28 and 27, respec-
`tively, of the microprocessor 40. The other pins of mi-
`croprocessor 40 which are utilized are connected as
`follows. Pin 31 of the microprocessor 40 is connected
`through a resistor 50 to +V of the power supply 30.
`The pin 31 is also connected to ground potential
`through the single pole/single throw (SPST) program
`switch 18. When the program switch 18 is open, which
`corresponds to the PLAY mode, the pin 31 is in a logic
`high condition. Pin 31 of microprocessor 40 goes to a
`logic low condition when switch 18 is closed, which
`corresponds to the PROGRAM mode. The state of pin
`31 is read by the ROM to sense the operational mode for
`microprocessor 40. Pins 26 and 40 of the microproces-
`sor 40 are also connected to +V of the power supply
`30. Pins 7 and 20 of the microprocessor 40 are con-
`nected to ground potential. Pins 2, 3 and 4 are con-
`nected through capacitors 52, 54 and 56, respectively,
`to ground potential. Pin 4 and capacitor 56 initialize
`microprocessor 40 on startup. A crystal 58 is coupled
`between the pins 2 and 3 as part of the oscillator for
`generating the clock signals utilized by the micro-
`processor 40.
`The microprocessor 40 is connected to a latch 60 and
`memories 62 for information storage and retrieval. Any
`of several commercially available eight bit latches char—
`acterized by low power consumption can be used for
`the latch 60. For example, the Model 74LSZ73 latch
`manufactured by Texas Instruments of Dallas, Tex. has
`been found suitable. Pin 11 of the microprocessor 40 is
`connected to pin 11 of the latch 60 for carrying the
`address latch enable signal. The pins 1 and 20 of latch 60
`are connected to +V of the power supply 30, while pin
`10 thereof is connected to ground potential. The input
`pins 3, 4, 7, 8, 13, 14, 17 and 18 of the latch 60 are con—
`nected to the input/output (I/O) bidirectional pins
`12—19, respectively, of the microprocessor 40.
`The bidirectional pins 12—15, respectively, of the
`microprocessor 40 are also connected to input pin pairs
`9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15 and 16, respec-
`tively, of one memory 62. The bidirectional pins 16—19,
`respectively, of microprocessor 40 are likewise con—
`nected to the same pairs of pins on the other memory 62.
`The memories 62 are each four bit random access mem-
`ories (RAMS) characterized by low power consump-
`tion. For example, a Model 5101L RAM manufactured
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 6
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 6
`
`

`

`4,142,236
`
`10
`
`IS
`
`35
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`20
`
`5
`by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. can be
`used for each of the memories 62. Pins 20 of the memo-
`ries 62 are connected to the pin 10 of the microproces-
`sor 40 for receiving a write signal therefrom. The pin 18
`of each memory 62 is connected to the pin 8 of the 5
`microprocessor 40 for receiving a read signal there-
`from. Pins 17 of memories 62 are connected to the pin
`37 of the microprocessor 40 for receiving a chip select
`signal therefrom. Pin 8 of each memory 62 is connected
`to ground potential, while standby power from the
`power supply 30 is applied to pins 22 of memories 62.
`Finally, the address input pins 7, 6, 5, 21, 1, 2, 3 and 4,
`respectively, of each memory 62 are connected to the
`output pins 19, 16, 15, 12, 9, 6, 5 and 2, respectively, of
`the latch 60.
`The remaining pins of the microprocessor 40 are
`connected through expanders 64 to the digital display
`20. Each expander 64 comprises an input/output port
`expander and data latch for driving the display 20 and
`keyboard 22 logic level inputs. The Model 8243 data
`expander/latch manufactured by the Intel Corporation
`of Santa Clara, Calif. is an example of a device suitable
`for use as each expander 64. Pin 6 of each expander 64
`is individually connected to either pin 35 or pin 36 of
`the microprocessor 40 for receiving chip select signals 25
`therefrom. Pins 7 of the expanders 64 are connected to
`pin 25 of the microprocessor 40 for receiving other
`command signals. The data input pins 8, 9, 10 and 11 of
`the expanders 64 are coupled to the pins 24, 23, 22 and
`21, respectively, of the microprocessor 40 for data 30
`transfer therebetween. The pin 12 of each expander 64
`is connected to ground potential, while the pin 24 is
`connected to +V of the power supply 30.
`With further reference to FIG. 3 in conjunction with
`FIG. 4, the outputs of expanders 64 are coupled to the
`digital display 20. In accordance with the preferred
`construction, an eight place digital display, such as the
`Model 8105 liquid crystal display manufactured by the
`Sharp Corporation, can be employed as the display 20.
`Each digit of the display 20 comprises a conventional
`seven segment arrangement having a trio of connec—
`tions thereto, as shown in FIG. 4. Display 20 is multi-
`plexed so that the proper segments are illuminated to
`form the desired digit. One expander 64 drives five of
`the digital places in display 20, with the remaining 45
`places being driven by the other expander. The pins a1,
`bl and c1 of the display 20 are connected to the pins 2,
`3 and 4, respectively, of the right expander 64. The pins
`a2, b2 and c2 of display 20 are connected to the pins 5,
`1 and 23, respectively, of the right expander. The pins
`a3, b3 and c3 of display 20 are connected to the pins 22,
`21 and 20, respectively, of the right expander 64. The
`pins a4, b4 and 04 of display 20 are connected to the pins
`19, 18 and 17, respectively, of the right expander 64.
`The pins a5, b5 and c5 of display 20 are connected to the
`pins 13, 14 and 15, respectively, of the right expander
`64. The pins of the left expander 64 are connected as
`shown in FIG. 3 to the display 20 beginning with pins
`a6, b6 and c6. Finally, the pins H1, H2 and H3 of display
`20 are connected to the input pins R4, R3 and R2, re- 60
`spectively, of the keyboard 22 as well as to pins 13, 14
`and 15 of the left expander 64. The input pin R1 of
`keyboard 22 is connected to pin 16 of the left expander
`64 only.
`OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
`With reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b. which contain a
`detailed flow chart of the program stored in the ROM
`
`6
`of microprocessor 40, the operation of the scorecard 10
`will now be set forth. FIGS. 50 and 5b illustrate the
`programming logic employed when keeping score for
`no more than four players. This is for purposes of exam-
`ple only. It will be appreciated that the same basic pro—
`gram with appropriate changes can be utilized for more
`than four players, depending upon the RAM and ROM
`sizes of scorecard 10.
`Before beginning play, the yardage and par values for
`each hole of the golf course must first be stored in the
`scorecard 10. To do so, the switch 16 is placed in the
`ON position, and mode switch 18 is placed in the PRO:
`GRAM position. The keyboard 22 is then manipulated
`to enter the desired information. The numerical key or
`keys corresponding to the number of the hole are first
`actuated, followed by depression of the HOLE key.
`The numerical key corresponding to the par value of
`the hole is then actuated, followed by depression of the
`PAR key. The numerical keys corresponding to the
`yardage value of the hole are next actuated, followed by
`depression of the YARDS key. These key operations
`are carried out for each hole so that the golf course
`information is stored in memories 62. Each value ap-
`pears on the display 20 as it is keyed into the scorecard
`10 so that the user can identify any keyboard errors.
`While the mode switch 18 is in the PROGRAM posi—
`tion, old stroke values for each hole can be removed
`from memory before commencing play. This is accom-
`plished simply by depression of the CLEAR key. Ac-
`cording to the preferred operation of the invention, the
`ROM of the microprocessor 40 is programmed in this
`mode to erase only player stroke values and no other
`information. It will be understood, however, that com-
`plete disconnection or removal of the battery 32 effects
`erasure of all information from the scorecard 10 regard-
`less of the position of mode switch 18.
`Placement of the mode switch 18 in the PLAY posi-
`tion prepares the scorecard 10 for receipt of player
`information and other operations. Each player utilizing
`the scorecard 10 is assigned a player identification num-
`ber. The stroke value individual to each player for each
`hole can be entered either on a hole by hole basis, or a
`stroke by stroke basis. This is accomplished by depress-
`ing the numerical key or keys corresponding to the
`player number followed by actuation of the PLR key.
`The numerical key or keys corresponding to the partic-
`ular hole number are then depressed followed by actua-
`tion of the HOLE key. The numerical key correspond-
`ing to the stroke value is next depressed, followed by
`actuation of the STK key and then the ENTER key.
`These key operations store the stroke values by hole for
`each player. As this player information is keyed into the
`scorecard 10, it appears on the display 20 so that the
`user can check for keyboard errors.
`The information for a particular hole and player can
`be the recalled and displayed. This is accomplished by
`depressing the numerical key or keys corresponding to
`the player number, followed by depressing the PLR
`key, and by actuating the numerical keys representative
`of the hole number followed by actuating the HOLE
`key. Preferably, scorecard 10- is programmed so that
`actuation of the PLR key alone: causes display of that
`hole’s information for the next higher player, or the first
`player if the preceding player was the last. Actuation of
`the HOLE key alone causes display of hole information
`for the next hole for the same player. Thus, actuation of
`either the PLR or HOLE keys by themselves automati-
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 7
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 7
`
`

`

`4,142,236
`
`8
`stroke values for a predetermined hole of the golf
`course.
`
`7
`cally index scorecard 10 to the next player or hole,
`respectively.
`The total par and stroke values through holes played
`and up to nine holes of play can be figured and shown
`on the display 20 by actuating the numerical key or keys
`representative of the player number, next depressing the
`PLR key and then depressing the FRONT NINE key.
`The total par and stroke values through holes played for
`between holes ten and eighteen can be figured and
`shown on the display 20 by actuating the numerical key
`or keys representative of the player number, next de-
`pressing the PLR key and then depressing the BACK
`NINE key. The total par and stroke values after play of
`any desired number of holes beginning with hole one
`can be figured and shown on the display 20 by first
`depressing the numerical key or keys representative of
`the player number, next actuating the PLR key and then
`depressing the TOTAL key.
`When the scorecard 10 is not being used for informa-
`tion entry on retrieval, the switch 16 is placed in the
`OFF position. The battery 32 is thus disconnected from
`all components except for memories 62 so that power is
`conserved while information storage is maintained.
`In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that the
`present invention comprises an electronic scorecard for
`golf which incorporates numerous advantages over the
`prior art. Golf course and player information for multi-
`ple players are maintained electronically in a portable
`unit of convenient, handheld size. One significant ad-
`vantage of the invention is the fact that this information
`is available for display at any time during play. The
`information for a particular hole, or the accumulated
`par and stroke values after play of the desired number of
`holes can be figured and displayed for any one of the
`players. Other advantages derived from the use of the
`invention will
`readily suggest
`themselves to those
`skilled in the art.
`. Although preferred embodiments of the invention
`have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings
`and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it
`will be understood that the invention is not limited to
`the embodiments disclosed, but is intended to embrace
`any alternatives, modifications, and rearrangements or
`substitutions of parts or elements as fall within the spirit
`and scope of the invention.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An electronic scorecard for the game of golf,
`which comprises:
`input means having switches representative of digits
`for selectively inputting numerical golf course data
`and player scoring data for at least one player;
`said input means including switches representative of
`‘ predetermined commands;
`processing and memory means responsive to the
`input means for receiving the golf course and
`player scoring data, and for performing predeter-
`mined arithmetic operations on said data; and
`output means responsive to the processing and mem-
`ory means for visually presenting the selected golf
`course and player scoring data to the player.
`2. The electronic scorecard of claim 1, wherein the
`numerical golf course and player scoring data inputted
`comprises yardage, par and player stroke values for
`each hole of the golf course.
`3. The electronic scorecard of claim 1, wherein one of
`the switches in said input means represents a command
`to retrieve and display the par, yardage and player
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4O
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4. The electronic scorecard of claim 1, wherein cer-
`tain of the switches in said input means represent com-
`mands to arithmetically sum the par and player stroke
`values for play through a predetermined number of
`holes.
`
`5. The electronic scorecard according to claim 4,
`wherein one of said switches represents a command to
`total said values over the first nine holes of play.
`6. The electronic scorecard according to claim 4,
`wherein one of said switches represents a command to
`total said values over the second nine holes of play.
`7. The electronic scorecard according to claim 4,
`wherein one of said switches represents a command to
`total said values beginning with the first hole and end-
`ing with the last hole played for up to eighteen holes.
`8. The electronic scorecard of claim 1 wherein the
`output means comprises a liquid crystal type digital
`display.
`9. For the game of golf, a portable electronic score-
`card with a self-contained,
`internal power supply,
`which comprises:
`input means including a plurality of manually opera-
`ble keys for entering yardage and par values indi-
`vidual to each hole of the golf course, stroke values
`individual to each one of a plurality of players for
`each hole of the golf course, and for initiating ma-
`nipulations on said values by the scorecard;
`preprogrammed processing means responsive to op-
`eration of said input means for controlling manipu-
`lation, including arithmetic operations, of the val-
`ues received from said input means;
`memory means coupled to the processing means for
`storing said values and the results of the arithmetic
`operations performed by said processing means on
`said values;
`output means responsive to the processing means for
`visually presenting the values stored in said mem-
`ory means; and
`switch means for selectively disconnecting the power
`supply from said input means, processing means
`and output means to conserve power, said memory
`means being constantly connected to said power
`supply for maintenance of data storage during the
`game.
`10. The electronic scorecard of claim 9 wherein one
`of the keys of the input means represents a command to
`display for a predetermined hole the yardage and par
`values together with the stroke value required by a
`preselected player for said hole.
`11. The electronic scorecard of claim 9 wherein one
`of the keys of the input means represents a command to
`arithmetically sum both the stroke values required for a
`predetermined player and the par values for each hole
`up to the last hole played between the first and ninth
`holes inclusive.
`12. The electronic scorecard of claim 9 wherein one
`of the keys of the input means represents a command to
`arithmetically sum both the stroke values required for a
`predetermined player and the par values for each hole
`up to the last hole played between the 10th and 18th
`holes inclusive.
`13. The electronic scorecard of claim 9 wherein one
`of the keys of the input means represents a command to
`arithmetically sum both the stroke values required by a
`preselected player and the par values for each hole up
`
`1
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 8
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 8
`
`

`

`4,142,236
`
`9
`to and including the last hole played beginning with the
`first hole.
`14. The electronic scorecard of claim 9 wherein cer-
`tain of said keys are dual function keys, and further
`including mode switch means coupled to the processing
`means for changing the response of said processing
`means to operation of said dual function keys in accor-
`dance with the position of said mode switch.
`15. For the game of golf, a portable electronic score-
`card having a self-contained,
`internal power supply,
`which comprises:
`keyboard input means including keys for entering
`numerical values corresponding to the yardage and
`par values for each hole of the golf course and the
`stroke values individual to each one of a plurality
`of players for each of said holes;
`said input means further including keys for initiating
`arithmetic operations on said numerical values,
`including the summation of said par and player
`
`10
`stroke values for play over a predetermined num-
`ber of holes;
`preprogrammed processing means responsive to actu-
`ation of the keys of said input means for storing said
`yardage, par and stroke values and for performing
`said summation operations on said values;
`memory means coupled to the processing means for
`storing said values and the results of the summa-
`tions performed by said processing means;
`digital output means coupled to the processing means
`for visually displaying the values stored in the
`memory means; and
`switch means for selectively disconnecting the power
`supply from the keyboard input means, processing
`means and the digital output means to conserve
`power, said memory means being constantly cou-
`pled to said power supply for maintenance of the
`values stored therein.
`#
`II
`It
`Ill
`#
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 9
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1004, page 9
`
`