DEVICE USED FOR AWARDING A PRIZE BASED ON THE OUTCOME OF A PREDICTED SHOT IN THE GAME OF GOLF
A device for awarding a prize to a golfer for successfully making a predicted golf shot. A payment receiving device, a shot prediction input device and at least one camera are connected to a golf shot control computer. Also connected to the golf shot control computer is an image recording device and a viewing device. An operator views images recorded by the camera and compares those images to the predicted golf shot. If the shot successfully meets the prediction, a prize is dispensed to the golfer. The prize can be cash, a coupon or a physical item. In one preferred embodiment the prize is a new car if the golfer successfully predicts that he will get a hole-in-one.
This invention relates to the game of golf, and in particular to devices used for awarding prizes to a golfer for successfully making a predicted shot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe origins of the game of golf can be traced back over 500 years ago when the Scottish Parliament in 1457 recorded a ban on the game because it was seriously interfering with archery practice. However, the appeal of the game of golf could not be held back and over the years it spread to England, Ireland, the United States and is now virtually played all over the world.
Golf itself is very old, but improvements in technology continuously have modified the game and improved the game. Golfers of the modern era are hitting the ball harder and further due to improved golf clubs. Automated distance measurement devices enable the modern golfer to always know exactly how far he is from the pin. Instructional videos and computer swing analysis programs are improving weekend hackers and making them better.
However, although technology in continuously evolving, there is still room for improvement to make golf more enjoyable for the golfer. For centuries, as golfers have approached a hole they have only been able to joke with one another about the possible outcome of a shot. Maybe friendly bets within the foursome occur and if a great shot is made, the golfer can brag to his buddies or tell his family when he makes it home Sunday at dinner.
The InternetThe Internet is a large network of interconnected computers that is sometimes referred to as a Wide Area Network (WAN). Initially developed by the United States Defense Department, it has expanded worldwide to a great variety of uses. A significant percentage of the population in the United States and in many other countries currently has access to the Internet and its use is growing rapidly.
The Internet is used to advertise products. Many companies have WEB sites and encourage potential customers to “visit” these pages. Creation of WEB sites is a well-developed Internet business with a great many people and organizations offering to create WEB sites. Some WEB sites are static, i.e. there is no interaction between the user and the WEB site. However, there are many well-known techniques that permit the WEB site to be made active. These techniques permit an Internet server to change WEB pages as often as desired and they permit users to communicate with a processor associated with the WEB site.
The technology also exists to establish a Local Area Network (LAN). A LAN is a network of interconnected workstations sharing the resources of a single processor or server within a relatively small geographic area. Typically, this might be within the area of a small office building. A suite of application programs can be kept on the LAN server. Users who frequently need an application can download it once and then run it from their local hard disk.
An Intranet is a network connecting an affiliated set of users (usually limited to a specific community of interest) using standard Internet protocols, esp. TCP/IP and HTTP. Intranets, also known as internal Webs, are only logically “internal” to an organization. Physically they can span the globe, as long as access is limited to the defined community of interest. To draw a comparison, the World Wide Web comprises all HTTP nodes on the public Internet. An internal web may comprise all HTTP nodes on a private network, such as an organization's LAN or WAN. If the organization is a corporation, the internal web is also a corporate web.
What is needed is a way to effectively award golfers a prize based on the outcome of a predicted golf shot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a device for awarding a prize to a golfer for successfully making a predicted golf shot. A payment receiving device, a shot prediction input device and at least one camera are connected to a golf shot control computer. Also connected to the golf shot control computer is an image recording device and a viewing device. An operator views images recorded by the camera and compares those images to the predicted golf shot. If the shot successfully meets the prediction, a prize is dispensed to the golfer. The prize can be cash, a coupon or a physical item. In one preferred embodiment the prize is a new car if the golfer successfully predicts that he will get a hole-in-one.
In one preferred embodiment, to place his bet the golfer submits a $5.00 credit card payment through credit card machine 5. The credit card machine is programmed to transmit to a control computer that the $5.00 payment has occurred and that the golfer is predicting that he will make a hole-in-one. He then hits the golf ball off tee 6. Video camera 8 is positioned to get a close up view of the golfer in order to clearly record his swing and the golf club contacting the ball. Camera 9 is positioned to view the tee box action and pin 4. For example, camera 9 views the golf club striking the ball and the trajectory of the ball's flight through the air toward pin 4. Camera 9 can also view the ball as it rolls towards the pin and if it rolls into the hole. Camera 10 is positioned near the green and is focused on the pin itself. Camera 10 can give a clear view of the golf ball as it rolls into the hole at pin 4. In a preferred embodiment, credit card machine 5, and cameras 8-10 are each solar powered.
If he is successful in scoring a hole-in-one, the event will be recorded by cameras 8-10 and transmitted to the control computer. At the control computer an operator will be able to verify the golfer's claim that he made the hole-in-one. After his claim has been verified, the golfer will be rewarded with a payment. For example, in one preferred embodiment, if the golfer bet $5.00 that he would successfully score a hole-in-one, the appropriate prize payment would be $5000.00.
Internet Connectivity, Control and MonitoringAs shown in
In a preferred embodiment, when a payment is made via credit card machine 5 information is transferred from credit card machine 5 via the Internet to server computer 21. The transferred information includes the fact that a payment was made and the amount of the payment. Website 22 on server computer 21 is programmed to automatically turn “on” cameras 8,9,10 after payment has been made. After cameras 8, 9, 10 have been turned “on” an operator at control computer 31 can monitor the payment process as it occurs. Also, after cameras 8, 9 and 10 have been turned “on” images recorded by the cameras are transferred immediately via the internet to server computer 21 where they are accessible in real time via website 22 the images are also stored on the hard drive of server computer 21 for later review. The images can be monitored via control computer 31 also in real time and stored on the hard drive of control computer 31.
Preferred Method of Monitoring Golf ShotsIn a preferred embodiment, a golf shot monitoring company arranges with a golf course to install cameras 8-10 and credit card machine 5 at a predetermined hole. Preferably the hole is a par 3 hole so that the golfer would have a chance of scoring a hole-in-one. The cameras and credit card machine are arranged as described above in reference to
In one preferred method after the golfer makes his payment via credit card machine 5 a paper receipt is printed out from credit card machine 5. The receipt includes a unique transaction ID number and the date and time of the transaction. It further includes the phone number of the golf shot monitoring company employee positioned near computer 31. If the golfer hits a hole-in-one, he then calls the phone number of the golf shot monitoring company employee on his receipt. The employee will then verify the transaction ID number, the time and date, and the footage of the shot reported by cameras 8-10. If the golf shot monitoring company employee determines that a hole-in-one was made, then the golf shot monitoring company will issue a check to the golfer.
Likewise if the golfer does not make a hole-in-one, no payment is made to the golfer and the $5.00 is retained by the golf shot monitoring company. In a preferred embodiment, the golf shot monitoring company retains 15% of the collected payment and transmits 85% to the golf course.
Optional Shot SelectionIn another preferred embodiment the credit card machine 5 includes touch monitor screen 37 (
In another preferred embodiment cameras are set up to monitor the golfer's shot on a long hole. Multiple cameras 71-75 (
Although it was stated above how the golfer is preferably rewarded with a cash prize having a value that adjusts in accordance with the amount the golfer paid, it is also possible to reward the golf other forms of prizes. For example, the golfer could be awarded a restaurant gift certificate or vouchers for discounted rounds of golf or vouchers for free rounds of golf.
Other Prizes and Coupons Coupon on Back of ReceiptIn another preferred embodiment, the golf course can form a partnership with other businesses and for a fee allow the other businesses to purchase advertisement or a coupon to be printed on the receipt printed from credit card machine 5. For example, a local restaurant could print a $5.00 coupon on the back of the receipt.
Sliding Prize Payout ScaleAlthough the above preferred embodiments referred to a $5.00 payment at the credit card machine, it would also be possible to allow for a sliding payment option. For example, for a $1.00 payment the prize for a hole-in-one will be $1000.00. For a $3.00 payment the prize for a hole-in-one will be $3000.00. For a $10.00 payment the prize for a hole-in-one will be $10,000.00.
Golf Ball Included with Game FeeIn another preferred embodiment, the credit card machine 5 includes a golf ball dispenser 53 (
In another preferred embodiment, instead of awarding cash, an automobile could be given for achieving the difficult hole-in-one shot.
Purchase of DVD of the ShotIn another preferred embodiment, the golfer can purchase a DVD of his shot attempt from the golf shot monitoring company. For example, all golf shot attempts are recorded and stored on the hard drives of server computer 21 and control computer 31. After his shot is complete, regardless of the outcome, the golfer can call the phone number on the back of his receipt to contact the golf shot monitor company. He can then request that a DVD be burned of his shot and mailed to him. Or the golfer can download the video of his shot for storage and viewing on his cell phone, personal laptop, home computer or other video viewing device.
Other Modifications Cell Phone ConnectivityIn another preferred embodiment, the golfer can utilize his cell phone 93 (
In another preferred embodiment the golfer can identify a shot and then contact the golf shot monitoring company for payout terms if he is successful with his shot. For example, a golfer near the green may be a 40 foot chip shot away from the pin. His position is easily viewable via cameras 73 and 74 (
This embodiment allows flexibility to the golfer and golf shot monitoring company and could be used on many types of different shots (i.e., the putt, or shot from the fairway). For example, the golfer can propose a different term such as at 94 yards out the golfer proposes that he can hit the golf ball so that it lands within 3 feet of the pin. For a $5.00 payment the golf shot monitoring company may offer a prize of $35.00 if the golfer is successful. Or the golfer may propose a term such as at 24 feet out the golfer hopes that he can sink the putt. For a $5.00 payment the golf shot monitoring company may offer a prize of $20.00 if the golfer is successful. As with the earlier examples, all shots are verified via camera(s).
Varying Number of CamerasAlthough
The golf shot monitoring company can simultaneously monitor multiple holes on a single golf course. Additionally, the golf shot monitoring company can monitor multiple golf courses simultaneously. Connectivity is established through the Internet and through phone communication as describe above.
LAN EmbodimentOptionally, a golf course may decide that it is more efficient to establish their own golf shot monitoring capability. In this embodiment, a LAN is established (
Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although it was described above how images from cameras 8-10 are transmitted through the Internet to server computer 21, it is also possible to have a control computer with a digital recording device located (for example, a DVR) next to the actual cameras. In this embodiment images are recorded directly onto the DVR for later review (
Claims
1) A device for awarding a prize to a golfer for successfully making a predicted golf shot, said device comprising:
- A. a golf shot control computer,
- B. a payment receiving device for receiving payment from the golfer prior to the golfer making his shot, and for transmitting said payment to said control computer,
- C. a shot prediction input device for receiving the golfer's prediction of his shot, and for transmitting said prediction to said golf shot control computer,
- D. at least one camera for viewing the images of the golf ball being hit by the golfer and the golf ball's motion until it comes to a rest, and then transmitting said images to said golf shot control computer,
- E. a image recording device connected to said golf shot control computer, said image recording device for receiving and storing said images from said at least one camera,
- F. a viewing device connected to said golf shot control computer for allowing an operator to view and compare said prediction to view said images, and
- G. a prize dispenser for allowing said operator to dispense a prize if the golfer's golf shot met said prediction.
2) The device as in claim 1, wherein said payment receiving device, said at least one camera, and said shot prediction input device are connected to said golf shot control computer via the Internet.
3) The device as in claim 1, wherein said payment receiving device, said at least one camera, and said shot prediction input device are connected to said golf shot control computer via a Local Area Network.
4) The device as in claim 1, wherein said predicted golf shot is a hole-in-one.
5) The device as in claim 1, wherein said predicted shot is a chip shot.
6) The device as in claim 1, wherein said predicted shot is a long drive.
7) The device as in claim 1, wherein said payment receiving device is a credit card machine.
8) The device as in claim 1, wherein said payment receiving device is cell phone.
9) The device as in claim 1, wherein said shot prediction device is a credit card machine programmed to receive the golfer's shot prediction.
10) The device as in claim 1, wherein said shot prediction device is a cell phone.
11) The device as in claim 1, wherein said image recording device is a hard drive connected to said golf shot control computer.
12) The device as in claim 1, further comprising:
- A. a server computer, and
- B. a website loaded onto said server computer,
- wherein said control computer, said payment receiving device, said shot prediction input device, and said at least one camera are connected to said server computer via the Internet.
13) The device as in claim 1, wherein said control computer is hard wire connected to said payment receiving device, said shot prediction input device, and said at least one camera.
14) The device as in claim 1, wherein said viewing device is a computer monitor connected to said golf shot control computer.
15) The device as in claim 1, wherein said prize is a cash prize.
16) The device as in claim 1, wherein said prize is an automobile.
17) The device as in claim 1, wherein said prize is a coupon.
18) The device as in claim 1, wherein the golfer can make a prediction of his shot and make a payment at any time during the hole by utilizing his cell phone to contact said golf shot control computer.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 16, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2011
Inventor: Ryan Carr (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 12/725,366
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);