Digital Pin Location System for Golf Course Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf course pin location systems require physical surveying equipment to determine and update pin coordinates, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when pin locations are moved.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows golf course personnel or golfers to enter and upload pin locations onto a geo-referenced course map, enabling location-aware devices to determine distances without the need for physical surveying equipment, using existing course maps and location-aware devices like SkyCaddie GPS rangefinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical surveying equipment is used to determine pin location coordinates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital copy of the course map with geo-referenced greens instead of physical surveying equipment. Pin locations are determined by selecting positions on the digital map, which is then uploaded to location-aware devices. This copying approach eliminates the need for repeated physical surveys while maintaining sufficient accuracy for golf distance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical surveying equipment with a computer-based system using display screens, mice, and digital mapping software. The mechanical process of physically placing surveying equipment at pin locations is substituted with electronic selection and coordinate calculation on a geo-referenced map, significantly reducing device complexity and labor requirements.
2Measurement precision
If physical surveying equipment is placed at pin location to obtain coordinates, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a geo-referenced course map in advance with accurately defined green boundaries and coordinate systems. This preliminary setup allows pin locations to be quickly determined by simple selection on the existing map, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical surveys each time pin locations need to be updated or recorded.
Solution Approach 2:
Once the geo-referenced map is created, pin locations can be rapidly determined by copying coordinates from the digital representation rather than performing new physical measurements. This allows quick updates when pins are moved, as the system simply records new positions on the existing digital map framework.
3Reliability
If surveying equipment is physically placed at each pin location, then reliability of pin location data is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical surveying operations with simple computer interface interactions. Users select pin locations using a mouse on a display screen, and the system automatically calculates and records coordinates based on the geo-referenced map. This substitution maintains data reliability through the established coordinate system while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The geo-referenced map system automatically calculates pin coordinates based on selections made on the display screen. The system self-updates with new pin locations without requiring manual surveying or complex data entry, as the coordinate geometry is computed automatically from the digital map references and selection positions.
Data Source
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.