PCf
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCn
`
`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`
`(51) International Patent Oassification 5 :
`
`A63B 57/00, GOIS 17/88
`
`Al
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`WO 92104080
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`19 March 1992 (19.03.92)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/GB91101S01
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`4 September 1991 (04.09.91)
`
`(30) Priority data:
`9019331.9
`
`5 September 1990 (05.09.90) GB
`
`(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): CADDIE
`(WESTERHAM) LIMITED [GB/GB]; 20 New Street,
`Westerham, Kent TN16 IRN (GB).
`
`(72) Inventor; and
`(75) Inventor/Applicant (for US only) : PALMER, Duncan, Ro(cid:173)
`bert [GB/GB]; 20 New Street, Westerham, Kent TN16
`IRN (GB).
`
`(74) Agent: ELKINGTON AND FIFE; Prospect House, 8
`Pembroke Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 lXR (GB).
`
`(81) Designated States: AT, AT (European patent), AU, BB, BE
`(European patent), BF (OAPI patent), BG, BJ (OAPI
`patent), BR, CA, CF (OAPI patent), CG (OAPI patent),
`CH, CH (European patent), CI (OAPI patent), CM
`(OAPI patent), CS, DE, DE (European patent), DK,
`DK (European patent), ES, ES (European patent), FI,
`FR (European patent), GA (OAPI patent), GB, GB (Eu(cid:173)
`ropean patent), GN (OAPI patent), GR (European pa(cid:173)
`tent), HU, IT (European patent), JP, KP, KR, LK, LU,
`LU (European patent), MC, MG, ML (OAPI patent),
`MN, MR (OAPI patent), MW, NL, NL (European pa(cid:173)
`tent), NO, PL, RO, SD, SE, SE (European patent), SN
`(OAPI patent), SU+,TD (OAPI patent), TG (OAPI pa(cid:173)
`tent), US.
`
`Published
`With international search report.
`
`(54) Title: DEVICE FOR USE IN GOLF
`
`LW
`DISFlAY
`
`{~ 2
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`1
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`RAY
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`
`(57) Abstract
`
`A device for determining a golf play parameter comprising means (7) for measuring distance to an object. These measuring
`means transmit electromagnetic radiation to the object, receive the electromagnetic radiation reflected back by said object and de(cid:173)
`termine the distance to the object by reference to the radiation transmitted and the reflected radiation received. The device also
`comprises memory means (5, 6) containing data regarding at least one golf play parameter determined by distance to the object,
`processing means (1) for interrogating the memory means to provide a play parameter dictated by the distance determined, and
`interface means (2) for indicating the play parameter obtained. In a preferred embodiment, the distance to the object is deter(cid:173)
`mined by measuring the elapse of time between transmission of the electromagnetic radiation and reception of the reflected radia(cid:173)
`tion. Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation is in the infrared waveband.
`
`+ See back of page
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 1
`
`

`

`+ DESIGNATIONS OF "SU"
`
`Any designation of "su" has effect in the Russian Federation. It is not yet known whether any such
`designation has effect in other States of the former Soviet Union.
`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCI' on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international
`applications under the PCI'.
`
`AT
`AU
`BB
`BE
`BF
`BG
`BJ
`SR
`CA
`CF
`CG
`CH
`Cl
`CM
`CS
`DE
`DK
`
`Austria
`Australia
`Barbados
`Belgium
`Burkina Faso
`Bulgaria
`Benin
`Brazil
`Canada
`Cenlral African Republic
`Congo
`Switzerland
`Cote d'ivoire
`Cameroon
`(;".cchoslovakia
`Germany
`Denmark
`
`ES
`Fl
`FR
`GA
`GR
`GN
`GR
`HU
`IT
`JP
`KP
`
`Spain
`Finland
`France
`Gabon
`United Kingdom
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Italy
`Japan
`Democratic People's Republic
`of Korea
`KR
`Republic of Korea
`LiechtenSlein
`LI
`Sri Lanka
`LK
`Luxembourg
`LU
`Me Monaco
`
`Madagascar
`MG
`Mali
`ML
`Mongolia
`MN
`Mauritania
`MR
`MW Malawi
`NL
`Netherlands
`Norway
`NO
`Poland
`PL
`Romania
`RO
`SD
`Sudan
`SE
`Sweden
`SN
`Senegal
`SU+
`Soviet Union
`TO
`Chad
`TC
`Togo
`US
`United States of America
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 2
`
`

`

`W092104080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`1
`
`~E7!CE FOR USE !N GOLF
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention relates to a device for deter~ining
`
`at least one golf play parameter based en a distance ~easured
`
`by -:1:e device.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`Known systems for measuring distances on golf ccurses
`
`are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4698781, 3868692 and 4703044
`
`and
`
`require
`
`the
`
`provision
`
`of
`
`a
`
`plurality
`
`of
`
`receivers/transmitters at locations around the golf course.
`
`'l'hese systems are expensive and require substantial cooperation
`
`on
`
`the part of
`
`the golf course owners
`
`to per~it the
`
`installation of the receivers/transmitters.
`
`Published European Patent Application
`
`0281846
`
`discloses an apparatus for mounting to a hand-held cart which
`
`measures the distance travelled by the cart by sensi:J.g the
`
`rotation of one of its wheels. This apparatus is cumbersome
`
`in -:hat it requires a wheeled cart for its operation a:J.d is
`
`complicated and limited in its use.
`
`To use such a device
`
`requires knowledge of the distance of the hole from the tee-off
`
`location, and calculation of the distance remaining to the hole
`
`after each stroke based on the angle from the position at which
`
`the ball was hit to its final location and the distance between
`
`them obtained by the player walking to the ball pulling the
`
`hand cart. It will be appreciated that this system is not of
`
`high accuracy and cannot be used effectively if the precise
`
`distance of the tee-off location from the hole is not known.
`
`Further, it cannot be used to measure distance where the ball
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 3
`
`

`

`W092/04080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`2
`
`lands i~ a water trap or heavy undergrowth nor
`
`its
`
`measurement accurate where the course is undulating.
`
`An object of the present invention is to provide a
`
`measuring device for use on a golf course which does not
`
`require the location of expensive equipment around the golf
`
`course and which is accurate and simple to use.
`
`A further obj ect of the present invention is to
`
`provide such a device which, in addition to measuring the
`
`distance I
`
`also determines a play parameter based on
`
`the
`
`distance detected.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
`
`According to the present invention there is provided
`
`a device for determining a golf play parameter comprising means
`
`for measuring distance to an object, which means comprise
`
`transmitting means for transmitting electromagnetic radiation
`
`to
`
`the
`
`object;
`
`receiving means
`
`for
`
`receiving
`
`the
`
`electromagnetic radiation reflected back by said object, and
`
`means for determining the distance to the object by reference
`
`to the radiation transmitted and the reflected radiation
`
`received;
`
`said device
`
`further comprising memory means
`
`containing data regarding at least one golf play parameter
`
`determined by distance to the object; processing means for
`
`interogating the memory means to provide a play parameter
`
`dictated by the distance determined, and interface means for
`
`indicating the play parameter obtained.
`
`In a preferred
`
`embodiment of the invention the distance' to the obj ect is
`
`determined by measuring the elapse of time between transmission
`
`of the electromagnetic radiation and reception of the reflected
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 4
`
`

`

`WO 92104080
`
`PCI'/GB91101501
`
`3
`
`~adiation. preferably, t~e electromagnetic ~adiation is i~ the
`
`i~f~ared waveband.
`
`In a preferred embodiment the object is a reflec~or
`
`provided on,
`
`~or example,
`
`a golf flag pole.
`
`However,
`
`embodiments are envisaged in which no such reflector is
`
`~eguired.
`
`The device preferably also comprises a keypad
`
`connected with the processing means for the input of data
`
`~elated to play and the actuation of given functions.
`
`The memory means preferably comprise a read only
`
`memory and a non-volatile memory, the latter permitting storage
`
`of data regarding a users play performance derived by the
`
`processing means from data input via the keypad and/or the
`
`distance measuring means.
`
`In a preferred embodiment, the read
`
`only memory contains a club selection database, and program
`
`inst=uctions and algorithms by which the processing means
`
`determine the appropriate club for a given distance, with or
`
`without reference ·0 data regarding the personal performance
`
`of the user stored in the non-volatile memory.
`
`The memory means preferably also contains program
`
`instructions
`
`for
`
`interactive
`
`trainir.g exercises, player
`
`perfomance analysis and/or score keeping.
`
`In a preferred embodiment, the interface means are
`
`also provided to indicate the distance measured to the object.
`
`Further,
`
`the interface means preferably comprise a visual
`
`display device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Embodiments will nOi.v be described, by way of example I with
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 5
`
`

`

`W092/04080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`4
`
`reference to the accompanying drawings,
`
`vlhich:
`
`Fig 1. is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of
`
`the device of the present invention;
`
`Fig 2. is a block diagram illus~rating a preferred form
`
`of a range finding system of the embodiment shown in Fig Ii
`
`Fig 3. illustrates a preferred external appearance of the
`
`device illustrated in Fig 1, and
`
`Fig 4. illustrates a method of using an embodiment of the
`
`invention for the purpose of training.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
`
`Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a device
`
`26 for determining distances on golf courses and golf play
`
`parameters. This device comprises a range finding system 7 for
`
`accurately measuring the distance between the device and a
`
`sui table obj ect or target. The reading obtained by this system
`
`7 is fed automatically to a central processor in the form of
`
`a micro computer unit 1, where it is used in determining one
`
`or more play parameters selected by means of a matrix keypad
`
`3. A read only memory (ROM) 6 connected to the micro computer
`
`uni t 1 provides the program instructions and algorithms by
`
`which the micro computer unit 1 performs calculations and other
`
`operations of the present device which will be described below.
`
`A random access memory
`
`4:
`
`is provided to store information
`
`regarding current play input from the keypad 3 and a non(cid:173)
`
`volatile memory 5 for receiving information input from the
`
`keypad 3 and from the range finding system 7 regarding, for
`
`example, the users golfing abilities and past performance and
`
`information regarding one or more golf courses.
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 6
`
`

`

`W092104080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`5
`
`Figure 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of
`
`the range
`
`finding system 7 employing infrared radiation to determine the
`
`distance of an object.
`
`~his system 7 comprises three main
`
`functional blocks: an optical transmitter, an optical receiver
`
`and an electronic counter.
`
`The transmitter shown comprises a collimated infrared
`
`light source 18 comprising a collimated laser diode.
`
`The
`
`output from the light source 18 is pulse modulated by means of
`
`a modulator 10 and drive circuit 17, and approximates to a
`
`square wave of 50 nanoseconds duration.
`
`The modulator is
`
`triggered by a pulse derived by dividing down the frequency of
`
`a stable oscillator 16. A highly collimated beam of light 8
`
`is obtained from the laser diode with the aid of additional
`
`lenses of the collimated light source 18.
`
`The degree of
`
`collimation is important to ensure that the device operates
`
`satisfactorily at maximum range.
`
`The receiver consists of a semiconductor photo de~ector
`
`20, which in the present embodiment is a PIN photo diode. To
`
`prevent ambient
`
`light
`
`levels
`
`from overly affecting
`
`the
`
`performance of the range finding system 7, a bandpass optical
`
`fil ter 22 is placed in the receiving section of the range
`
`finding system 7. As an alternative to such a bandpass optical
`
`filter 22, high and low pass optical filters combined to give
`
`a bandpass filter function may be employed.
`
`A lens system 21 is provided in the optical receiver to
`
`increase its sensi ti vi ty by increasing the area over which
`
`light is collected.
`
`The modulated
`
`electrical
`
`signal
`
`obtained
`
`from
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 7
`
`

`

`W092/04080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`6
`
`pho~odetector 20 is amplified by a solid state amplifier 19.
`
`The resultant signal is processed into a square wave by a
`
`t=igger circuit 13 for activating an electronic gate 12.
`
`An electronic counter is used to measure the length of
`
`time between one portion of transmitted wave and the same
`
`portion of the received waveform. To measure this time, the
`
`signal of the stable oscillator 16 is applied to a counter 15
`
`which increments by one for each cycle of the oscillator or
`
`clock 16.
`
`The electronic gate 12 is located between the
`
`counter 15 and oscillator 16. This gate 12 is opened by one
`
`portion of the transmitted waveform received via a trigger
`
`circuit 11 and closed by a similar portion of the received
`
`waveform from trigger circuit 13. The counter 15 thus produces
`
`a number equal to the number of clock cycles between the two
`
`signals controlling the gate 12. During the time that the gate
`
`12 is closed, this counted value is available to the micro(cid:173)
`
`computer unit 1. This state is indicated by a DATA FLAG 23,
`
`the setting of which causes the micro computer unit 1 to load
`
`the content of the counter 15 via one of its I/O ports. Once
`
`the data has been successfully loaded, the micro computer unit
`
`1 asserts a control line to indicate it is ready to receive
`
`more data, and the counter will then set the DATA FLAG 23 at
`
`the next valid count. At the end of the counting cycle, the
`
`counter 15 is automatically reset to zero, independantly of the
`
`micro computer unit 1. A number of successful counts are made
`
`which allows the micro computer unit 1
`
`·mathematically to
`
`average them to increase the resolution accuracy of this system
`
`to a level in excess of that indicated by the chosen clock
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 8
`
`

`

`WO 92/04080
`
`frequency.
`
`PCf IGB91101501
`
`7
`
`If
`
`the
`
`received signal contains a portion of
`
`the
`
`~ransmitted signal returned from a distant object, the number
`
`counted is proportional to the time taken for the signal to
`
`travel from the device 26 to the object and back to the device.
`
`As the speed of light is a universal constant, the distance of
`
`the remote obj ect can be directly deduced from the counted
`
`value.
`
`To obtain an accurate measurement over a desired range
`
`employing the range finding system 7 illustrated in Figure 2,
`
`the object or target whose distance is to be measured must
`
`consist of a suitable reflective element.
`
`Such reflective
`
`element must return the incident beam in the direction it came
`
`for a wide range of incident angles and with good efficiency,
`
`and may consist of, for example I
`
`a pentagonal corner cube
`
`reflector or optical glass beads provided
`
`in a suitable
`
`plastics medium. Such a system will have a resolution of less
`
`than 5 metres in a range greater than 100 metres I although
`
`typically the range will exceed 250 metres.
`
`If desired, a greater measurement accuracy can be obtained
`
`by employing a
`
`light pulse of less
`
`than 50 nanoseconds
`
`duration.
`
`Figure 3 shows the external appearance of a preferred
`
`er.bodiment of the device 26 of the present invention. This
`
`comprises an
`
`injection moulded plastics casing which
`
`is
`
`ergonomically designed to be hand held during use. To ensure
`
`reliable use on the golf course, the unit is fully showerproof
`
`and shock resistant.
`
`The display 2,
`
`is used
`
`to give
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 9
`
`

`

`W092104080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`8
`
`instructions and information for the user and the keypad 3 is
`
`provided for inpu~ting the users responses. The keypad shown
`
`consists of seventeen keys,
`
`ten of 'i.'lhich are respectively
`
`assigned to the r.u~~ers 0 to 9, the remaining keys 27 to 32
`
`being allocated to the functions ENTER, CLEAR, RECALL, ON/OFF,
`
`SCORE, RANGE and CLUB TIPS , respectively.
`
`The device is
`
`intended to be battery powered and a
`
`removable cover is
`
`provided
`
`(not shown)
`
`to permit
`
`insertion and removal of
`
`batteries.
`
`In the present preferred embodiment, the distance obtained
`
`by the range finder system 7 is employed by the micro-computer
`
`unit 1 in the following selectable functions:
`
`a)
`
`to provide a suggestion as to which is the best club
`
`to use for a shot based on
`
`the range of personal data
`
`previously entered by the user via the keypad 3 and optionally
`
`also the range finding system 7 stored in the non-volatile
`
`memory 5 and/or data permanently stored in the device in the
`
`ROM 6;
`
`b)
`
`to enable the performance of one or more intereactive
`
`training exercises, in which the user is instructed to go
`
`through a series of actions, and
`
`c)
`
`in building up a personal data base for the user
`
`which is used, for example, in giving club selection tips.
`
`a) Club selection
`
`The device is able to provide suggestions via the LCD
`
`display 2 on which club to select based on· the data obtained
`
`from the range finding system 7 as to how far the ball has to
`
`be hit, a range of personal data stored in the non volatile
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 10
`
`

`

`WO 92104080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`9
`
`~emc~y' 5 as to the user's abilities and previous perfor~ance
`
`and standard empirical data stored in ROM 6. The device can
`
`also provide club selection tips based o~ a distance entered
`
`via the ke;rpad 3. A different algorithm is employed to arrive
`
`at a club selection tip depending on whether the user is using
`
`(i) their own performance database stored in the non-volatile
`
`memory 5 or (ii) the standard database in the ROM 6.
`
`i
`
`Club selection algorithm using the personal database
`
`The z'eguired distance is input to the micro computer unit
`
`1 and turned into the index for a data table by removing the
`
`least significant digit and subtracting four. The correct club
`
`selection tips are then found in the user's personal database
`
`stored in the non-volatile memory 5 indicated by the index just
`
`calculated.
`
`ii Club selection algorithm when using the standard database
`
`The required distance is input to the micro computer unit
`
`1 and turned into the index for a data table by removing the
`
`least significant digit and subtracting four. This index is
`
`modified by a user entered "power level table" by means of the
`
`keypad 3.
`
`If the power level variable is set for a powerful
`
`player, one is subtracted from the index and if the power level
`
`is set for weaker players, one is added to the index. This new
`
`index, along with the users handicap (previously entered into
`
`the non-volatile memory 5 or, alternatively, supplied via the
`
`keypad 3), identifies the correct club selection tip from the
`
`standard database held in the ROM 6.
`
`In this preferred embodiment, the club tip suggestion
`
`is limited to several different subsets of the full set of golf
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 11
`
`

`

`W092104080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`10
`
`clubs depending on the users handicap, or the users handicap
`
`and other personal data stored in the memory 5. This feature
`
`is based on the empirical data stored in the ROI>! 6.
`
`0)
`
`Training exercises
`
`The device 26 also has one or more interactive training
`
`exercises stored in the ROM 6. These instruct the user by
`means 0= the LCD device 2 to go through a series of actions and
`then enter certain data about the outcome of these actions.
`
`The device then provides an analysis of the users performance
`
`and a reference against which to strive during training which
`
`is stored in the non-volatile memory 5. Distance data supplied
`
`by the range finding system 7 is employed in these training
`
`exercises. In the present embodiment of the present invention,
`
`three training exercises are built into the ROM 6, which are
`
`detailed below.
`
`i)
`
`Yardage exercise.
`
`In this, the user is instructed to hit a plurality of
`
`balls with a chosen club while standing next to a suitable
`
`target which preferably consists of a training target 25
`
`comprising a reflector 34 mounted on a stand 35 (see Fig. 4)
`
`supplied with the device 26 for use during training exercises.
`
`After striking the balls, the user then walks to each ball in
`
`turn and by holding the device vertically above the ball, and
`
`pressing the RANGE button 32 measures the distance of the ball
`
`from the training target 25 by means of the range finding
`
`system 7. Once the distance of the last of· the balls has been
`
`measured, the CLEAR button 28 is pressed and the microcomputer
`
`unit 1 calculates the average distance of the balls and this
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 12
`
`

`

`W092104080
`
`PCf/GB91101501
`
`11
`
`is displayed by the LCD display 2 and transferred to the users
`
`personal database in the non-volatile memory 5
`
`ii) Accuracy exercises.
`
`These consist of two distict sect.ions (1) shooting t.owards
`
`the training target 25 and (2) shooting away from the training
`
`target 25.
`
`1)
`
`Shooting towards the training target.
`
`In this the user drops a plurality of balls in a random
`
`pattern a desired distance from the training target 25. The
`
`RANGE button 32 is pressed to activate the range finding system
`
`7 to determine the distance of the training target 25 from the
`
`balls, and this is stored in the RAM 4. The user then attempts
`
`to hit the balls as close to the training target as possible.
`
`Once this is completed, the distance from each ball to the
`
`training target is determined using the inbuilt range finding
`
`system 7. On pressing the CLEAR button 28, this information
`
`is then fed automatically to an accuracy rating calculating
`
`::unction in the microcomputer unit 1 to determine an accuracy
`
`rating. This may then be stored in the users personal database
`
`in the non volatile memory 5.
`
`It is also possible, rather than measuring the full
`
`distance using the range finding system 7, to enter an estimate
`
`of the distance each ball is from the training target 25,
`
`simply, but not necessarily, in the form of a number of strides
`
`each ball is from the training target 25, and then using the
`
`CLEAR button 28 to indicate that all values.have been entered.
`
`In this case, the estimated distance of the ball is employed
`
`by the microcomputer unit t.o determine the accuracy rating.
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 13
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`W092/04080
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`PCf fGB91101501
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`12
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`2)
`
`Shooting away from the training target
`
`In this exercise, the user selects a suitable aiming point
`
`to shoot at, for example, a clump of grass or a tree. Standing
`
`next to the training target 25, the user hits a series of golf
`
`balls at the selected aiming point and then walks to the aiming
`
`point and employs the range finding system 7 to measure the
`
`distance between it and the training target 25 by pressing the
`
`RP~GE button 32. The user then enters the distance of each
`
`ball from the chosen aiming point, typically, though not solely
`
`in the form of the number of paces between them, pressing the
`
`CLEAR button 28 to indicate the last value has been entered.
`
`Al ternati veIl', the distance between each ball and the training
`
`target 25 is measured by the range finding system 7 and fed
`
`automatically to the accuracy rating calculating function in
`
`the microcomputer unit 1 to calculate the accuracy rating.
`
`iii) Rough lie exercise.
`
`This is essentially the same as the accuracy exercise b (i)
`
`indicated above except that the user is instructed to drop the
`
`balls in a bad lie and one of the factors in the accuracy
`
`rating calculation is changed to take account of the increased
`
`difficulty in producing accurate shots from a bad lie.
`
`In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the accuracy
`
`rating is obtained by averaging the distances entered in the
`
`microcomputer unit 1 and dividing by the distance between the
`
`chosen aiming point and the point from which the user hits the
`
`golf ball. The result is then multiplied.by an empirically
`
`derived constant and the resulting value taken away from an
`
`empirically derived constant. The result is expressed as a
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 14
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`WO 92104080
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`PCf IGB91101501
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`13
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`percentage.
`
`In another preferred embodiment, the calculation
`
`includes, but is not limited to, a weighted mean or median
`
`~nstead of a mathematical average. Further, a subset of all
`
`~he balls hit by the user can be used for the calculatio~.
`
`c)
`
`Personal database
`
`Details regarding how far a user can repeatedly hit the
`
`golf ball for a given club is entered into the microcomputer
`
`unit 1 via the keypad 3 or the range finding system 7 or a
`
`combination of both.
`
`This data
`
`is processed by
`
`the
`
`microcomputer unit 1 and stored in the non-voltatile memory 5
`
`and forms a users personal database which can be used by the
`
`device in giving, for example, club selection tips. The user
`
`can update the database at anytime, except while actually
`
`playing a round of golf or undertaking some of the training
`
`exercises.
`
`In this embodiment of the invention, the user only
`
`has to enter the distance that he can repeatedly hit a ball
`
`with a single club, the rest of the users personal database
`
`being ca_ .~lated from this piece of information. The entered
`
`distance is converted into a club tip index as previously
`
`described. The club chosen is converted to the data format of
`
`the club selection tip associated with that club and this data
`
`is compared with the equivalent entry in the standard database
`
`in ROM 6 for the users entered handicap.
`
`The discrepancy
`
`between the two is then used to scale the relevant sectic~ of
`
`the standard database to produce the personal database.
`
`In another preferred embodiment of the invention I the
`
`personal database is built up directly by entries made by the
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 15
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`W092/04080
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`PCf/GB91101501
`
`14
`
`user. Each entry made is processed as described above and then
`
`stored directly in the associated memory location in the non(cid:173)
`
`volatile memory 5.
`
`In this case,
`
`the database might be
`
`~ncomp1ete when interrogated by the club selection function,
`
`and for this reason,
`
`the club selection function in this
`
`embodiment has the ability to infer missing data from the data
`
`that is present in the database. This is done by assuming that
`
`each less lofted club produces 10 yards (9.144 metres) less
`
`ball travel.
`
`The present embodiment of the
`
`invention has
`
`further
`
`functions
`
`not directly
`
`employing
`
`its
`
`range
`
`finding
`
`capabilities, namely:
`
`i)
`
`information regarding each hole on one or more golf
`
`courses may be entered by the user and stored in the non(cid:173)
`
`volatile memory 5. This information can be recalled whenever
`
`the user wishes to playa golf course whose data is stored.
`
`ii)
`
`the ROM 6 provides the device with a
`
`function
`
`enabling the calculation of the number of strokes a handicapped
`
`player is allowed to take on any given hole according to the
`
`current rules of golf and the important accepted ferms of play.
`
`iii) the device is able to store score details for up to
`
`four players in the RAM 4, including the score for each player
`
`on each hole. The device is able to display a summary of each
`
`players total score and a simple analysis of their performance
`
`and relevant points during the round of golf. Any of the
`
`stored scores may be recalled at almost anytime prior to the
`
`next round of golf.
`
`iv)
`
`as already described
`
`the device will provide
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 16
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`W092/04080
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`PCf/GB91101501
`
`15
`
`suggestions on which is the best club to select per shot based
`
`on distance informa~ion entered via the keypad, along with the
`
`personal data previously entered in the non voltatile memory
`
`5 by the user and/or data permanently stored in the ROM 6.
`
`v)
`
`as already described, the device provides interactive
`
`training exercises in which the input of distances may be
`
`undertaken by means of the keypad 3 using a rough estimate
`
`based on, for example, the number of strides between ball and
`
`target.
`
`vi)
`
`as already described the device will allow the user
`
`to build up a personal data base in non-volatile memory 5 via
`
`the keypad 3.
`
`i) Golf course database.
`
`The present embodiment of the device is adapted to store
`
`a range of details about one or more golf courses in its non(cid:173)
`
`volatile memory 5.
`
`This information can then be recalled
`
`whenever the user wants to play a golf course whose data is
`
`stored in the device. As the user progresses around the golf
`
`course, the relevant hole data is automatically selected and
`
`used as
`
`the basis of certain of
`
`the devices
`
`indicated
`
`functions, most notably, the stroke allowance calculation and
`
`the performance analysis sections of the score keeping function
`
`to be described below. The details can be recorded during a
`
`round of golf or at any other time the user desires.
`
`The
`
`details the device can store include, but are not limited to:
`
`the par for each hole; the stroke index of. each hole, and the
`
`yardage of each hole.
`
`ii) Strokes allowed calculation function.
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 17
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`W092104080
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`PCf/GB91101501
`
`16
`
`The device is adapted to calculate the number of strokes
`
`a handicapped player is allowed to take on any given hole
`
`according to the cur-r-ent rules of golf and the i:rr,portant
`
`accepted =or-ms of play, including but not limited to, some or
`
`all of the following matchplay, strokeplay, stableford and
`
`greensome,
`
`each
`
`in their respective,
`
`(where applicable)
`
`singles, threeball, fourball, threesome, foursome and best-ball
`
`formats.
`
`The microcomputer unit 1 calculates the stroke
`
`allowances for the user and any or all of the other members of
`
`the group.
`
`If the group is playing a course which is part of
`
`the users golf course database,
`
`this calculation can be
`
`performed automatically at the start of each hole. For other
`
`courses, the microcomputer unit calculates the strokes allowed
`
`as soon as the user has entered the par and stroke index for
`
`that hole. For this section, it is necessary for the user to
`
`have his handicap stored in the units non-volatile memory 5 and
`
`information regarding the handicaps of other members of the
`
`group mus~ be input to the RAM 4.
`
`iii) Score keeping.
`
`The device is adapted to keep full scoring details for up
`
`to four players
`
`irlhich,
`
`in preferred embodiments of
`
`the
`
`invention include, but are not limited to:
`
`a)
`
`the number of shots each player took on each hole
`
`played:
`
`b)
`
`c)
`
`the total par for the holes played;
`
`the total number of shots each player took for the
`
`complete round;
`
`d)
`
`the total number of shots each player was ahead or
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 18
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`

`WO 92104080
`
`PCf IGB91101501
`
`17
`
`behind of th~ ;ar for the holes played on the round;
`
`e)
`
`the number of shots the user should have taken for
`
`the comple~e round played;
`
`f)
`
`a detailed performance analysis of the round so far I
`
`which might include some or all of the data listed above as
`
`well as additional data, for the primary user, and
`
`g)
`
`a performance analysis at the completion of a round,
`
`which might include some or all of the data listed above as
`
`well as additional data for the players other than the primary
`
`user.
`
`For each of the items listed above, it is assumed that all
`
`players whose scores are being kept for any given round of golf
`
`will play exactly the same holes on their rounds. At any point
`
`in a round of golf or at anytime up to the start of the next
`
`round of golf, the device will be used to keep the scores of
`
`the players and permit recall of the scores of any of the
`
`players on any given hole by pressing the RECALL button 29 and
`
`specifying the relevant information required in response to
`
`prompts on the LCD display 2.
`
`SKYHAWKE Ex. 1005, page 19
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`W092104080
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`CLAI!1S
`
`PCT/GB91101501
`
`18
`
`1.
`
`A device for determining a golf play parameter
`
`comprising means fo~ measuring distance to an object, which
`
`means
`
`comprise
`
`transmitting means
`
`for
`
`transmitting
`
`electromagnetic radiation to the object; receiving means for
`
`receiving the electromagnetic radiation reflected back by said
`
`object, and means for determining the distance to the object
`
`with reference to the radiation transmitted and the reflected
`
`radiat