Geo-referenced Golf Course Map Pin Location System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf course pin location determination methods require physical surveying equipment to be placed at the pin location, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when pin locations are moved, as golf course personnel must repeatedly record and upload new coordinates.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow golf course personnel or golfers to enter pin locations into a geo-referenced course map, eliminating the need for physical surveying equipment by using existing course maps and location-aware devices to determine and communicate pin positions, enabling accurate distance measurements from the device to the pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surveying equipment is physically placed at the pin location to obtain coordinates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital copy of the course map with geo-referenced greens instead of physical surveying equipment. The pin location is determined by selecting a position on the digital map display, creating a virtual coordinate system that mirrors the actual course layout. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex surveying devices while maintaining sufficient accuracy for golf distance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surveying equipment system with an electronic information processing system. Instead of using physical instruments to measure and record coordinates, the system uses a computer with display screen, keyboard, and geo-referenced digital maps to determine pin locations through user selection and data processing, substituting mechanical measurement with electronic information handling.
2Measurement precision
If surveying equipment is used to determine pin location, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated surveys when pin moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary geo-referencing of the course map and greens before pin location determination. The digital course map is pre-aligned with geographic coordinates, and green boundaries are pre-mapped. This preliminary setup allows rapid pin location determination by simple selection on the display, eliminating the need for time-consuming surveys each time the pin moves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains a digital copy of the course layout with embedded coordinate information. When the pin location needs to be updated, the system simply records the new position on the existing digital map rather than performing a complete new survey, dramatically reducing the time required to update pin locations while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If physical surveying equipment is placed at pin location, then reliability of pin location data is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows golf course personnel or golfers to independently enter pin location data using the computer interface without requiring specialized surveying equipment or expertise. The geo-referenced map automatically provides the coordinate framework, and users simply need to select or input the pin position, making the process self-service and accessible to non-experts while maintaining reliable data.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for storing and communicating the location of the pin on one or more greens on a golf course. The location of the golf pin is entered into a system and is uploaded for incorporation in a course map depicting the golf course being played by the golfer. The pin location information is used to measure distance from the location aware device to the pin location.