text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Oct 19, 1999
|Filing date
|Aug 15, 1995
|Priority date
|Apr 27, 1993
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Craig D. Germain
|Original Assignee
|Golf Partner International
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (10), Referenced by (37), Classifications (17), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an interactive system for receiving, storing, analyzing and outputting information related to the game of golf, and, more particularly, to an interactive golf information system that can read marks recorded on a golf play recording card and generate golf play statistics and analysis based on the marks that are read.
2. Relevant Background
The game of golf is fast becoming one of the most popular sports in the United States, as well as other countries. The game is usually played on a 9 or 18 hole golf course with a variety of golf clubs used to hit a golf ball different distances. Each hole of a golf course may include a tee off area having a number of different tee markers, a fairway, a rough, a putting green, and a pin located in a cup on the putting green. Each hole may also include various hazards such as sand traps, water hazards, bunkers, trees, etc. Each golfer records on a scorecard the number of times required to hit a golf ball from one of the tee markers into the cup on the putting green for each hole. After all of the holes of a course are completed, the golfer tallies the score for each hole and records a total score for the course. Thus, the information recorded on such a scorecard consists of a total number of stokes required for each hole and for the entire course.
The conventional scorecards are usually pocket-sized cards with a grid for keeping track of a number of different players' scores for each bole. Some scorecards also have information concerning rules, etiquette, tee-to-pin distance for each tee marker available, par for the hole, and a graphical map of the course depicting the layout of each hole including any obstacles and hazards in symbolic form. Although these scorecards provide a golfer with additional information, only the number of strokes required per hole is recorded on the scorecard.
Another type of scorecard is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,157 to Bodine et al. in which a player records on a scorecard, a number in a predetermined area of the scorecard, indicating which of a plurality of golf clubs is used for each stroke and a mark indicating a location of the golf ball on the golf course after each stroke. The scorecard includes a top view of a fairway and putting green including distances from various points on the course to a pin for each hole to allow a golfer to record the location of the golf ball. The data recorded on the scorecard provides information for a computer system to provide statistical information on a hole-by-hole basis or club-by-club basis for flight, distance, swing and positioning information. Golfers use this statistical information to evaluate their play.
It is an object of the invention to provide an interactive golf information system which receives, stores, analyzes and outputs a plurality of different types of information related to golf.
It is another object of the invention to provide an interactive golf information system for compiling and analyzing golf play based on information recorded on a golf play recording card.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an interactive golf information system capable of reading golf game information recorded on a plurality of golf play recording cards.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an interactive golf play recording card generator for generating a pocket-sized golf play recording card for each hole of a golf course.
It is another object of the invention to provide an updating device for updating golf course and weather conditions, rules of play, tee-to-pin distances, instructions on how to best play a hole and any other important information prior to generating the golf play recording cards.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a an interactive golf information system including a golf play recording card customizing device for customizing the recording cards based on a golfer's preference as to what additional information he would like displayed on the cards.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide an interactive golf information system including an analyzing device for providing detailed analysis and statistical information based on information read from the information recorded on the golf play recording cards.
These and other objects, features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, a golf information system comprises a central processing unit having a user interface which allows the system to be accessed directly, for example, by a golfer in a golf course club house or indirectly, such as, a golfer using a remote access device. The user interface preferably includes a display device and an input device. The display device displays a user selection menu which provides a golfer with a variety of options to select a variety of system operating modes. If a golfer is not ready to play, the golfer can select one of the options for paying a transaction cost, reserving a tee time, generating a printed lesson based on previous rounds of golf played, printing or displaying a previously played round of golf, statistical analysis and information on a previous round or rounds of golf, league information, handicap, course conditions, information on other golfers and information on other golf courses. If a golfer is set to tee off soon, the golfer can select one of the options to pay for the round of golf and use of the golf information system, select how to customize the golf play recording cards and generate the customized golf play recording cards.
A single pocket-sized golf play recording card is provided for each hole. Each of the golf play recording cards may have the following information printed thereon: a layout of the fairway and green with distance indicating marks which indicate distance from a pin to various points on the course and distance from each of the tees to the various hazards on the course, cup location, topographical information showing the terrain of the hole, weather conditions, hazards, areas under repair, fairway conditions, putting green conditions, instructions on how to best play the hole, advertisements, and rules of play for the day. All of the previously described information can be updated daily and even just before the cards are printed. The cards also contain other information such as par for the hole, name of golfer playing, a grid for recording stroke information, an arrow showing true north, separate display areas for the putting green and fairway, a golfer's handicap, services available on a particular hole, and instructions on how to use the system. Further, each card has a bar code printed thereon to identify a golfer recording the marks on the card and a particular hole that specific card represents. Each card can be customized by adding information such as marks indicating how a previous player played the hole, what clubs the previous player used to play the hole and any other appropriate information such as a different scoring system (Calcutta, Skins, Straight Golf, etc.) being used and bets made between golfers.
Using one of the golf play recording cards for each hole, a golfer records each stroke on each hole by entering a single mark for each stroke. The single mark is in the form of an alphanumeric character which indicates a golf club used for that particular stroke and the location of the golf ball after that particular stroke. The single mark is recorded at the exact point on the golf play recording card that corresponds to the exact location of a golf ball on the actual golf course after each stroke. Other information concerning the conditions of the course, difficulties encountered, and weather conditions can be recorded as well with additional marks in another part of the card.
After each stroke for each hole is recorded on the golf play recording cards, the cards are inserted in any order into a reader and information marked on the cards is read and stored in the system. The cards can be inserted in any order and mixed with other golfer's cards because the system recognizes the hole and golfer from the bar code on each card. It should be pointed out that the reader can read both the golf club used and the exact location of the golf ball for each stroke, as well as any other information recorded thereon. Further, the system can read the type of scoring being used by a golfer from a mark on the card and analyze a player's performance according to the chosen scoring system. Also, the system can tally the results of the bets made and inform each member of a golfing party how much each player won or lost.
Once the information on the round of golf just played is input to the system, a golfer can select any of a variety of menu options displayed on the display. The golfer can choose to keep his information input into the system private through a selected menu option, a special access code or I.D. card. A golfer can also select an analysis mode where his last round of golf is analyzed for proper club selection, consistent errors, strokes per hole, strokes per club, distance per club, number of putts, fairways and greens hit in regulation, penalties, saves, eagles, birdies, pars, bogeys and USGA handicap with slope rating of the course played. Further, a golfer can select a command to have the system output a lesson for improving consistent golfing errors detected by the computer or a suggested golf club selection list depicting each club a golfer used and a club recommended by the system for improved play. The golfer can also select any of the previously described options including reserving a tee time for the next round of golf and printing or displaying a previously played round of golf with or without the scores of the other members of the golfer's party, statistical information on a previous round or rounds of golf, league information, handicap, course conditions, and information on other golfers.
If a golfer does not wish to go through the above selection process, the golfer can simply record a default selection list in the system so that whenever that particular golfer inserts golf play recording cards, the system knows what options that golfer desires. For example, a golfer may record in the system that he wants all of the available statistical analysis to be conducted and he wants the same tee time to be reserved. The system will conduct the analysis and reserve the appropriate tee time without the golfer having to make the selections each time. This feature allows a golfer to drop his golf play recording cards into the system after a round of golf and avoid having to wait around to go through the options selection process. The golfer can access the analysis and information later, at home or whenever he returns to the golf course.
The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the interactive golf game information system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the data storage areas of the memory of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control program for the golf game information system of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of one side of a golf play recording card used in the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of an instruction card used with the golf play recording cards of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram depicting the operation of the golf game information system of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram illustrating a payment operating mode of the golf game information system of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart diagram illustrating a tee-time reservation operating mode of the golf game information system of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart diagram illustrating a golf play recording card generating operating mode of the golf game information system of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart diagram illustrating a data reading operating mode of the golf game information system of the present invention; and
FIG. 11 is a flowchart diagram illustrating a golf play analysis operating mode of the golf game information system of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows the elements of an interactive golf game information system 1 of the present invention including a computer having a central processing unit (CPU) 10 which controls the system operation and processes information input to and output from system 1. CPU 10 is connected to a memory 12 which stores all of the programs required to operate the system and all of the data input to the system. Memory 12 can comprise a mass memory such as a mainframe device at a remote location or a hard drive at the golf course pro shop for storing golf information for a large number of golfers, i.e., essentially for every golfer in the world. Memory 12 can also comprise a read only memory (ROM) for storing all of the operating programs which control the functions of the system. Alternatively, the system operating programs can be stored in the computer in the form of a programmable read only memory (PROM) if the computer is to be used only for the golf game information system. Memory 12 can also comprise random access memory (RAM) for storing data which changes often such as weather conditions, course conditions, golfers playing data, tee-to-pin distances, etc.
As seen in FIG. 2, memory 12 includes a plurality of storage areas including a golfer data storage area 30, a golf course data storage area 32, a tee-time reservation data storage area 34, a league data storage area 36, a tournament data storage area 38, and a promotional ad data storage area 40. Golfer data storage area 30 can include a separate storage area for each golfer using the system. A variety of information can be stored for each golfer in golfer data storage area 30 including name, address, telephone number, social security number, handicap, golf club memberships, default options previously selected by the golfer, tee-time reservation information, statistical data on previous rounds of golf played, financial account information, tournament and league memberships and associated rounds of golf played and any other pertinent information. When a golfer uses the system, the system can easily access all of the information stored in that golfer's separate storage file.
Tee-time reservation data storage area 34 includes information on tee-time reservations for every golf course using the system. Thus, tee-time storage area 34 can be a central database for storing tee-time reservations for courses all over the United States and world. The information stored for each tee-time reservation on each course includes a date, a time, number of people in a golfing party, names of the golfing party members, any special requests or needs of the golfing party such as a need for left handed clubs or a lesson from a golf course professional prior to teeing off, a phone number where at least one member of the golfing party can be reached and other appropriate information.
League data storage area 36 and a tournament data storage area 38 are used for league play and tournament play to record the participating golfers, immediately updating and displaying each golfer's score as play progresses, rules of play, entry or membership rules and requirements including fees, scoring information, leader board information and other pertinent information. Further, league data storage area 36 can be used to conduct nationwide tournaments between several different golf courses simultaneously.
Promotional advertising data storage area 40 stores information concerning advertising printed on the golf play recording cards and other material printed by the system. For example, a golf play recording card, a tee-time reservation card or a layout of the course including how a golfer just played the course can have advertising information printed thereon. Information concerning advertising available, cost of each advertisement, location of each advertisement on each item output by the system, content of advertisements, etc. is stored in promotional ad data storage area 40. All of this information can be easily updated by a prospective advertiser or a system manager.
Additional information storage areas within memory 12 can be easily set up and maintained for any number of other categories of information to be used by the system.
CPU 10 is also connected to a user interface 14 which allows a user to interact with the system. User interface 14 preferably comprises a touchscreen, a voice print recognition device, or a keyboard but can also comprise any other information inputting device. By inputting certain data, golfers can select a particular operating mode of the system. Further, golfers can use the user interface 14 to enter information to be input into one of the plurality of data storage areas in memory 12.
CPU 10 is further connected to a display 16 which provides a golfer with information and data concerning the operation of the system and the information being input and output to the system. Display 16 may preferably be a color monitor including a cathode ray tube or an LCD. Alternatively, as mentioned above, a touch sensitive display screen can be provided in place of display 16 and user interface 14 and perform the same functions thereof. Display 16 can also be used with a voice print recognition device previously discussed.
CPU 10 is also connected to printer 18 for printing any of the data and information input to and output by the system. Printer 18 is preferably a multi-color printer, color laser copier or the like and is capable of printing data supplied by the system. Printer 18 also includes a supply of various printing media for printing a variety of information in several different formats, for example: color golf play recording cards, tee-time reservation receipts, certificates for outstanding play, transaction receipts, account statements, a layout of a golf course including marks depicting how a round of golf was played, tournament results, league standings and other information for which a golfer wishes to receive a permanent record.
CPU 10 is additionally connected to a data reader 20 which can preferably include at least a golf play recording card reader 22 and a bar code reader 24. Golf play recording card reader 22 can preferably be an image scanner, an image digitizing and rasterizing device and optical character recognition device (OCR) which is capable of recognizing alpha-numeric characters from the image of the golf play recording cards scanned by the scanner or rasterizing. Once the images are scanned by the scanner, the digitizing or rasterizing device digitizes or rasterizes the scanned image. Then, the OCR recognizes the marks made on the golf play recording cards from the digitized image and stores the location and type of character of each mark. Bar code reader 24 is used to read bar code information on the golf play recording cards including a golfer's name and personal information, a hole represented on each card and any other information contained in the bar code. Data reader 20 may also comprise a magnetic card reader 24 preferably comprising a magnetic character recognition system capable of reading and writing magnetic data on a magnetic recording medium such as an identification card, a credit card or an automatic teller machine bank card. The identification cards used with magnetic card reader 26 are used to allow a golfer to access the system to update or retrieve information, change the golfer's default option selection, to keep his scores and golf play information private or to allow a golfer to select any of the other system functions. The identification cards can also be used as debit cards allowing a golfer to pay for greens fees, use of the golf information system, food from the clubhouse, items in the pro shop, and for various services such as lessons, caddies, etc. If a golfer does not wish to use the identification card as a debit card, payment for the above items can be made using a credit card or an automatic teller machine bank card. To make a transaction using a credit card or a bank card only requires the same activities as in a standard automatic teller machine transaction.
CPU 10 is also connected to a communication port 28 to allow a golfer to access the system via a remote access device such as a modem, telephone or computer located at a remote location. Communication port 28 can be used to verify credit cards, access codes, bank card authorization data and any other identification data and to allow a system user working from a personal computer to access the system. This would allow a golfer to access the system and have the system perform any one of the variety of functions while the golfer is at home or away from a main computer located preferably in a golf course club house or sports equipment store. For example, a golfer can use a phone or home computer to reserve a tee-time, generate a corrective lesson based on previous performance, review play of a round, retrieve statistics, analysis of previous rounds played and any other information stored in the system.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the system operating program stored in memory 12. In accordance with known principles, a control program consists of a plurality of program modules that each serve a specific identifiable function. A main program module 50 maintains overall control of the system operation and calls into operation any of a number of subordinate programs whenever needed. The subordinate programs include: a display control module 52 for controlling what and how information is displayed in display 16, a printer control module 54 for controlling the information and format of material printed by printer 18, a data reading control module 56 for reading data from any of the golf play recording cards and bar codes printed thereon, credit cards, golfer identification cards, automatic teller machine bank cards, etc., a data processing control module 58 for controlling how the information read by data reader 20 is stored and analyzed, a user interface control module 60 for controlling the flow of data from user interface 14 to the system, a golf play recording card customizing and generating control module 62 for controlling how a golf play recording card is customized and what information is printed on each recording card, an analysis control module 64 for controlling the nature and extent of analysis requested and a communications port control module 66 for controlling access of the system from any of a number of remote access devices. As can easily be understood, any additional subordinate programs can be added to accomplish any additional desired functions. It should be understood that the control program may be organized in other ways according to preferences of the designer of the program and details of the tasks to be performed.
FIG. 4 shows a first or front side of a pocket-sized golf play recording card 70 for a particular hole on a golf course. All of the information printed on each of the recording cards 70 for each of a plurality of golf courses is stored in memory 12. The information can be updated as often as desired, preferably by golf course management having an appropriate access code to change the golf course information. The information that can be displayed on each card 70 for each hole includes but is not limited to: the name of the golf course 71, the hole number and par for that hole 72, the tee-to-pin distance for each of the tee markers 73, the name of a golfer 74, a handicap for the golfer and number of stokes to be given on that hole 75, services available on that hole 76, instructions on how best to play that hole 77, a bar code identifying the particular hole and the golfer 78, a scoring grid 79 for keeping track of strokes and putts of each of the members of a golfing party, an arrow 80 showing true north used to gauge wind direction, weather conditions 81 updated just before play begins, an exploded view 82 of the putting green including topographical slope information, distance information and hole location 83, and an overall layout view of the entire hole 84 including each of the tee markers, fairway, rough, obstructions, areas under repair, pin location, distance information, topographical information, tee-to-hazard distance 85 and any other pertinent information.
FIG. 5 is an instruction card 90 instructing a golfer how to use the golf play recording cards 70 of FIG. 4. The card 90 in FIG. 5 can be printed on a reverse side of the card 70 shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the instruction card shown in FIG. 5 can be a single card printed separately from the golf play recording cards. Thus, by printing only one instruction card 90, it is not as expensive or time-consuming to print the golf play recording cards of FIG. 4. The information displayed on card 90 includes a listing of golf clubs 91 that a golfer has in his golf bag. This list can be modified by a golfer simply adding a golf club not shown on the card. Also displayed on instruction card 90, are the specific characters 92 used to represent each of the golf clubs in a golfer's bag. These characters 92 are normally preprinted on the card according to a list input by a golfer when he first joins the system. That is, when a golfer sets up an account on the system, the system will output a card 90 with no golf club information recorded thereon. The golfer then writes on card 90 each club in his bag and the characters 92 he will use to indicate each club. The golfers inserts completed card 90 back into the system which reads and stores characters 92 written in that golfer's own handwriting. Thus, the system can recognize a golfer's handwriting and reduce card reading errors.
Another group of symbols 93 is used to represent elements shown graphically on the layouts 84 of each hole contained on card 70. These elements 93 are indicative of the course conditions and can be updated by the golf course management having access to the appropriate security code to update the golf course information stored in the golf course data storage area 30 of memory 12.
A customizing information area 94 is provided to inform the golfer how each card is customized and how customized information is displayed on card 70 shown in FIG. 4. In this example, the golfer selected to have the last round of a professional golfer, such as Tom Watson, printed out on the first side of the golf play recording card 70. The way Tom Watson played this particular hole is then identified on the first side of the card 70 using the symbols 92. The present golfer can then compare how his play matched up with the play of any professional golfer such as Tom Watson or any other golfer including a golfer's own play. Any number of additional rounds of golf for any player having playing data stored in memory 12 can also be displayed. The information on Tom Watson's last round is displayed using a single distinguishing character 95 for each stroke indicating a club used by Tom Watson and a location of a golf ball after each stroke. The distinguishing characters 95 can be displayed in a different color or different script from characters 92 and other marks contained thereon to allow a golfer to distinguish Tom Watson's information from marks indicating current play information or other player's previous playing information. Thus, a golfer can use the golf information recording card to view how several professionals and other golfers played each hole as the golfer is playing each hole.
Alternatively, a golfer may only be concerned with his own previous play and choose to have his average, personal best or any other of his previous rounds printed on each of the golf play recording cards to help him better judge club selection and determine how to improve his own play. If more than one previous round of golf is displayed on card 70 shown in FIG. 4, there will be a different distinguishing mark 95 and identifying information 94 for each of the rounds displayed.
A course rules information area 96 is provided to indicate the rules of play as rules often change from time to time for such reasons as limiting carts on the fairway, controlling speed of play and providing other notices to the golfer. This information is updated just prior to the printing of the cards and prior to commencement of play. Further, special instructions for a particular hole can be printed on the card 90 for that particular hole. Other information displayed on the card 90 may include instructions on how to use the system and cards, advertising, club house menu selections, or any other pertinent information. Another information area can be provided on this card 90 to record golfer's observations of the conditions of the course and weather conditions. The golf course management can then review consistent information concerning the golf course and weather conditions and update the golf course and weather information to be printed on subsequent golf play recording cards.
It should be noted that the overall layout 84 and the putting green layout 82 are accurate representations of each hole and may possibly be drawn to scale. However, each hole may not have the same scale as some holes are longer than others. As the layouts are accurate representations of each hole, when a golfer records a golf ball location on the card 70, an accurate representation of the golf ball location and the distance the golf ball travelled from the last golf ball location is easily determined by the system.
The golf play recording card of FIGS. 4 and 5 is used as follows. A golfer marks one of the plurality of tees G, B, W, R corresponding to tee markers 73 from which he is teeing off. After a first shot, the golfer marks the exact location of the ball on the actual course by entering a single character at the exact location on the card 70 corresponding to the golf ball location on the course. The mark used by the golfer is a single character mark corresponding to one of the plurality of symbols 92 representing one of the plurality of clubs 91 contained in the golfer's bag. The golfer can record a mark on either the overall layout 84 or the putting green layout 82.
It is important to note that a single character is used to mark each stroke. A single character not only indicates a particular golf club used for each stroke, the character also indicates a golf ball location from which a distance that the golf ball travelled from the last golf ball location can easily be determined by the system. In some instances, it may be necessary to know the sequence of shots to determine the distance that the golf ball travelled from the last golf ball location. For example, if two putts are necessary to sink the ball, the first putt will be denoted with the mark "P" and the second putt with the mark "P". A third putt will be denoted by the mark .[."P".]. .Iadd."P".Iaddend.. The "P" represents the club and ball location, and the underline represents the shot sequence so the system can determine the distance of each putt. The same scheme is used for any club whenever the same club is used more than once on a hole. The underlined character on the layout is the mark representing the club and ball location. Once all of the marks are recorded for each stroke on each hole of the golf course, the cards are inserted into the golf play recording card reader 22 which reads each of the marks made on each of the cards. The golf play recording cards can be inserted into the reader 22 in any order and can be mixed with another golfer's cards as the bar code 48 on each of the cards identifies a player and a particular hole. Golf play recording card reader 22 also reads bar code 78 to ensure that the information read therefrom, is stored in the correct area in the golfer data storage area 32 for a particular golfer.
Once all of the information from each of the cards is read by the reader 22 and stored in memory 12, a golfer can select what statistical information and analysis he desires. Also, a golfer can select to keep any of the golf information and statistical data private by entering a special access code or selecting a menu option. As mentioned previously, a golfer can set up a default options selection list which allows him to drop the cards in reader 22 and then leave the golf course without having to wait to make all the different menu options selections. Thus, all of that golfer's selected functions are performed by the system and stored so that the information can be accessed later by the golfer. Alternatively, a golfer can take his marked golf play recording cards with him when he leaves the golf course and drop them in a remote card reader such as a card reader at a golf or sports equipment store or some other location having a golf play recording card reader.
In the analysis control program module 64, the system uses the data read from the cards to determine a variety of statistical information such as strokes per hole, strokes per club, distance per club, number of putts, greens hit in regulation, penalties, saves, eagles, birdies, pars, bogeys, USGA handicap slope rating of the course, and any other pertinent statistical information. Further, the golfer can choose to have his golf club selection analyzed and a list of recommended club selection output adjacent a list of actual clubs used to determine optimum golf club selection. Also, the golfer can select to have the system determine consistent playing errors and generate a lesson for correcting such areas. The system manager may also request that the system select any golfer's errors and then generate a letter to the golfer promoting or describing the types of lessons and equipment available at the golf course or pro-shop to correct the error. The lessons are compiled from various golf professionals and are stored in memory 12. The statistical information, club selection list, and error correcting lesson can be displayed in display 16 or printed by printer 18. Furthermore, a golfer can select to have any round of golf printed on a layout of the golf course by printer 18 including the rounds of each of the members of a golf party displayed in different colors. Furthermore, printer 18 can print various certificates to congratulate golfers on personal bests, saves, eagles, birdies, and any other meritorious play.
The flow chart of FIG. 6 depicts the operation of the interactive golf game information system of the present invention. The program begins at step 100. The system will inquire whether a golfer has used the system before at step 102. If a golfer has not used the system before, account information and a data storage area must be set up for the golfer, step 104. The system will prompt the golfer to input personal information including name, address, social security number, telephone number, statistical analysis to be performed for each round of golf played, keeping scores private or public, tee-time reservation instructions, and any other pertinent information, step 106. The system also prompts the golfer to input a personal identification number to be used in case the golfer does not have his identification card. The system automatically sets up a storage information area for storing the personal, golf and account information for the golfer. The system will also issue the golfer an identification card for automatic access to the system, step 108. The system will charge the new golfer's account for any set up costs and user's fees incurred in setting up the account. The golfer will have an opportunity to pay this amount and even add money to his identification/debit card if he so desires in the payment mode to be described later.
If the golfer has used the system before, the golfer only has to insert his identification card or enter his personal identification number to access the system, step 110. If a golfer does not have his identification card and cannot remember his personal identification number, the system will prompt the golfer for a password such as mother's maiden name or other personal information until the system is satisfied that a fraudulent entry into the system is not occurring. Next, a golfer enters the selection operation mode, step 112. The various modes a golfer can select include a payment mode 120, a tee-time reservation mode 140, a golf play recording card generating mode 160, a data reading mode 180, an analysis mode 200 and an exit routine 220. The flow then returns to the system operating mode selection, step 112.
In payment mode 120 shown in FIG. 7, the system will first inform a new golfer of the charges for setting up the account and use of the system, if applicable, step 121. Next, the system will request that a golfer indicate for which items payment is being made, step 122. These items can include greens fees, system fees, club house meals, pro shop items and services such as caddies and lessons. Once the golfer has indicated all of the items being paid for, the system will display each of the items and the corresponding costs along with a total cost. The system will inquire if the golfer approves the list and total cost, step 123. If the list is incorrect, the system will return to step 122 and allow the golfer to correct the list. If the list and total are correct, the system then prompts the golfer to select a method of payment, step 124. The golfer can select from a number of different payment methods including credit card, debit card, automatic bank teller machine card, cash, or bill it to a personal account If a golfer wishes to pay by credit card, debit card or automatic bank teller card, step 125, the system prompts the golfer to insert the card and enter a personal identification number authorizing the transaction, step 126. If the personal identification number is incorrect, step 127, the system will return to the method of payment selection, step 124, to allow the golfer to select an alternative method of payment. If the pin number is correct, the transaction is completed and a receipt is printed, step 128.
If a person selects cash, step 129, the system will prompt a golfer to insert the required amount of cash into a conventional cash receiving device, 130. The system will check for sufficiency of funds, step 131. If the golfer inserts insufficient funds, the system will return to the insert cash step and prompt the user for more cash. If sufficient cash is inserted, the transaction is completed, change is returned, and a receipt is printed, step 128.
If the user selects to bill the charges to a personal account, step 132, the system prompts the user to input an account identification in the form of either a personal identification number or a password, step 133. The system checks to ensure that the account identification information is correct, step 134. If the password identification number is incorrect, the system will return to the method of payment selection, step 124, to allow a golfer to select an alternate method of payment. If the account identification is correct, the transaction is completed and an account statement is printed, step 128. The flow then returns to the system operating mode selection, step 112.
FIG. 8 depicts the tee-time reservation mode starting with step 140. The system will ask a golfer to select a desired golf course, step 142. This selection can be done by either entering the name of the course via user interface 14 or the system can display a list of area golf courses included in the system from which a golfer can choose. Once a course is selected, the system will prompt the golfer to select a date and time, step 144. The date and time can be entered in a similar manner to the golf course selection. Next, the system will prompt the golfer to input the number in the golfer's party, step 146. Once all of the pertinent information has been entered by a golfer, the system will prompt a golfer to certify that the information the system has for the tee-time reservation request is accurate, step 148. If any of the information is inaccurate, the golfer can select a particular item of information that is incorrect and the system will return to that selection step. If the information is correct, the system communicates with memory 12 to determine if the desired tee time is available, step 150. If the tee time is not available, the system will display a variety of other times available for that particular course and a variety of other courses available for that particular time and return to the select course step 152. The golfer can select anyone of the tee times listed in display 16 or just activate a quit key to exit the tee time reservation mode. If the desired tee time is available, the tee time reservation will be made and stored in memory 12 and printer 18 will print a reservation confirmation, step 154. The flow then returns to the system operating mode selection, step 112.
FIG. 9 depicts a golf play recording card customizing and generating mode 160. The system asks a golfer if he wants to customize the golf play recording cards, step 161. If the answer is yes, the system asks the golfer to select the customizing information, step 162 and how the golfer wants the information displayed on each card, step 163. Then, the system asks the golfer to verify his selections, step 164. If the selections need to be changed, the system returns to step 162. If the selections are correct, the system asks the user to select which course and holes will be played, step 165. Then, the golf play recording cards are printed according to the golfer's requests, step 166. The flow then returns to the system operating mode selection, step 112.
The data reading mode 180 is displayed in FIG. 10. When a user selects the data reading mode 180, the system will instruct the user to insert all of the cards to be read into a card hopper (not shown), step 182. Then, the system will automatically feed the cards one at a time to the reader 22, step 183. The bar code reader 24 first reads the bar code 78 to identify the golfer, step 184. The system then retrieves the stored characters 92 entered by the golfer when he first set up his system account, step 185. The system uses these stored characters 92 as a reference for the characters marked on each of the golf play recording cards 70. The reader 22 includes an error checking function which will detect any errors in reading information on the cards, step 186. If an error is detected, the system will compare the mark that is not able to be read with the previously stored characters 92 for that particular golfer, step 187. If the card reader 22 still cannot read the mark correctly, the system records a question mark where the unreadable mark is located, step 188. A golfer can correct the question mark later. For example, the next time a golfer enters the system, the system can display an error message on a display of the particular hole having the non-readable mark. The golfer can then enter the correct mark on the display if it is a touchscreen device or via a data entry device such as a voice print or keyboard. Alternatively, if a mark cannot be read, the system will feed the card out of the system and prompt the user to correct the marks made on the card, step 189. Then the card causing the reading error will be reinserted into the hopper, step 190 and read by the reader as is normal. If there are no errors in reading the cards, after the last card is read, the system automatically enters the analysis mode described in FIG. 9. The flow then returns to the system operating mode selection, step 112.
FIG. 11 displays the steps of the analysis mode 200. First, the system prompts the user to select the type of analysis to be conducted, step 201. This analysis can include but is not limited to handicap computation, statistical compilation of the round including strokes per hole, strokes per club, distance per club, number of putts, fairways and greens hit in regulation, penalties, saves, eagles, birdies, pars, and bogeys. The golfer can also select a suggested club selection list to be generated by the system. This list displays the actual club used by a golfer and the recommendation of the system based on that golfer's golf play information. The club selection information can also be displayed graphically on a layout of each of the holes of the course using a display similar to that shown in FIG. 4. Further, a golfer can select a lesson generating analysis where the system recognizes consistent errors made by the golfer and outputs a lesson for correcting these errors. This lesson can be printed by the printer 18 so that the golfer has a permanent record of the lesson.
Once the list of desired analyses is complete, the system will prompt the user to verify these selections, step 202. If the selections are incorrect, the system will allow the user to correct the list by adding or deleting a type of analysis by returning to step 201. Once the list is correct, the system prompts the user to select whether the statistical analysis and results are to be output to the display 16 or printed by the printer 18, step 203. Then, the analysis is conducted and output to the desired location. The system in step 205 asks if the golfer desires more analysis or to return to the selection operation mode, step 112.
As mentioned previously, a golfer can avoid this selection process by storing preselected options to be used each time golf play cards are inserted to the system. The stored preselected options could also include an output device selection (usually a storage area of memory 12) for outputting the results of the analysis.
The analysis of the player's golf game can be accomplished by programs readily designed by one skilled in the art to evaluate the data stored in memory 12. The particular details of the analysis would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art given the desired objective to be obtained from the data. For example, if one skilled in the art knew that the objective was to analyze the data to detect if a particular golfer consistently slices his shot from the tee (i.e., the golf ball curves to the right from the tee), one skilled in the art could develop a program for analyzing tee shots and the location of the golf ball after a shot from the tee to detect a golfer's slice habit.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a hand held data recording device can be used in place of the golf play recording cards. A hand held recording device can include a display depicting a layout of the course similar to that shown in FIG. 4. A golf ball location device in the form of a track ball, cursor and keyboard arrangement, or light pen device can be used to mark the golf ball location corresponding to the actual location on the golf course. This hand held device can also include a variety of character input devices for selecting and inputting a single character to mark both a golf ball location and a club used for each stroke. This information recorded on the hand held device can be temporarily saved on a memory card in the hand held device or can be transmitted via satellite to a satellite signal receiver cooperating with the system. If a memory card is used, this card can be removed from the hand held device and inserted into a card reader contained in the system.
Another possible modification is to use a hand held satellite signal transmitting device for transmitting a signal to a global positioning satellite to indicate an exact location of a golf ball on each hole of a golf course after each stroke. The hand held device would also include a golfer identifying device and a golf club identifying device so that a golfer and golf club are identified for each golf ball position signal transmitted. A satellite signal receiver can be provided for use with the system to receive the signals transmitted by the hand held transmitting device including a golfer identification, a golf club identification and a golf ball position indication. Thus, a golfer could easily record the exact location of a golf ball after each time a golf ball is hit. Further, the satellite signal transmitter could also comprise a switch for changing from a satellite signal transmitting device to a cellular telephone
Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention set forth in this description are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
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|U.S. Classification
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|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jun 19, 2001
Owner name: TREASURE ISLAND MARINE, LTD., CAYMAN ISLANDS
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GOLF PARTNER INTERNATIONAL;REEL/FRAME:011911/0031
Effective date: 20010612
|Apr 29, 2002
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Apr 29, 2002
|Surcharge for late payment
Year of fee payment: 7
|May 23, 2002
Owner name: TREASURE ISLAND MARINE, CAYMAN ISLANDS
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GOLF PARTNER INTERNATIONAL;REEL/FRAME:012928/0389
Effective date: 20020427
|Jul 2, 2004
Owner name: UNIVERSITY SERVICE CORPORATION LLC, SOUTH CAROLINA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TREASURE ISLAND MARINE;REEL/FRAME:014815/0059
Effective date: 20040629
|Dec 7, 2005
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 12


text:
Software Review: Nik Snapseed for Desktop
|Nik's Snapseed for Mac brings all the best bits of the popular iOS application to Mac and PC desktops
Photo editing software maker Nik has been making applications and plug-ins for digital photographers with deep pockets for years. Their collection of plugins for Aperture, Lightroom, and Photoshop costs a whopping $599 but their reputation is as grand as their price tags. Their Efex Pro editing series has earned the praise of both professionals and hobbyists looking to make their photos pop.
Following the release of Snapseed for iOS in 2011, Nik has started venturing into the more affordable stand-alone applications. PC and Mac versions of the Snapseed were announced earlier this year, and the Mac version quickly became one of the biggest selling Photo editors in the App Store. At $19.99, it costs $5 more than Apple's iPhoto but is still much cheaper than Aperture and Photoshop Elements and $4 cheaper than CameraBag 2. The PC version costs exactly the same amount.
We're testing the Mac version here, and the first thing that's obvious is how similar Snapseed's interface is to the mobile version for iOS. It contains all of the tools that iPhone and iPad users have come to rely on such as U-Point technology for precision exposure editing as well as color adjustments and a range of customizable vintage photo effects.
Key Features:
- Cropping, straightening, and rotating tools.
- Depth of field simulators.
- U-Point technology for quick, selective adjustments.
- Customizable lo-fi effects and frames
- Facebook, Flickr, and Email sharing straight from the app
- Adjustable black and white, film grain effects
System Requirements:
- Mac OS 10.6.8, 10.7.2, or later
- Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, and Windows 7 SP1 (or later)
- 2GB RAM or more
- 256MB or more Video RAM
Getting Started:
I started in the 'Tune Image' section to make basic adjustments. Here, Snapseed has six, pre-made exposure adjustments - automatic, neutral, dark, bright, balanced, and moody. The auto-effects are visible in the thumbnail. Once you have chosen an effect, you can further adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Ambiance, and Warmth of your photo by toggling sliders in the 'Global Adjust' section of the window. (Ambiance seems to be a combination of shadow darkening and color temperature and Warmth is color balance).
The 'Tune Image' section is where you will find Snapseed's U-Point technology. To use U-Point, you click the 'Add Control Point' option in the panel. Next, you choose the area that you want to affect. I picked the dark background of my portrait. From here, you can change the range of the affected area by clicking on size button below your U-Point. After choosing your area size, you can adjust 'B', 'C', or 'S' - for brightness, contrast, and saturation.
After you have decided on your adjustment, look long and hard at the changes you have made. Once you apply a filter, you cannot Undo just one step, you must start from scratch. You can undo adjustments from within a filter editor, but once you have applied them, you are out of luck if you change your mind. When you are ready, click the 'Apply' arrow on the bottom left of the window. For my 10.1 MB .NEF file, the edits took 10 seconds to go through (5 seconds for a 950 KB .JPEG).
At any point in an editing process, you can take a look at your original photo by clicking the 'compare' icon on the top-right of the screen.
Aside from exposure controls, Snapseed also offers advanced sharpness and contrast adjustments in their 'Details' section. Here, you can change the sharpness and structure of your image.
Cropping and Straightening
After you are finished doing your basic tune-up, it is time to decide exactly how much of your photo is necessary for the composition. In the 'Crop and Straighten' tab, you view your photo in a grid and use either the angle slider or arrows on the corners of the photo to straighten your shot.
Snapseed offers several different focusing features. Its 'Center Focus' tab opens up to six different focusing styles - Blur, Vignette, Old Lens, Foggy, Dark and Bright.
The other option for focusing in Snapseed is the 'Tilt-shift' simulator. Tilt-shift or miniature mimickers are abut as common as the sepia filter in popular camera apps but unlike the added grain and color manipulators, tilt-shifting can insert some drama without turning your photo into a blown-out mess.
For my photo, I first used a 'dark' Center Focus filter before adding a circular tilt-shift layer - each one with the focal point on my model's nose and the ring of focus ending at the edge of her head. My goal with these filters was to take the focus away from the distracting colored pillar the left of my model.
It would be nice to have the option in one Snapseed's focusing filters to choose more than one focal point or to use the U-Point technology to choose a focal color instead of just picking one radial spot. I would have liked to just choose my model's skin tone for a precise, subtle focus, but I was forced to include some surrounding areas.
Lo-Fi and Drama Filters
Cue the groans of a million photo purists. Snapseed offers four filter categories for the digital photographer who pines for the glory days of Holga and Diana.
For my photo, I scaled down the 'Wes' effect in the 'Vintage' filter collection to the point where it was barely noticeable at applied it to add a little spice to my scene.
Once you have finished editing your photo, you can put it in a frame. Snapseed has 10 customizable frames that vary from the simple white stroke line to a jagged and ripped paper imitator.
At any point between filter edits, you can File > Save As and Snapseed will save your photo in the same dimensions that it started at. When you are finished, you can print, or share to the web straight from the app. Snapseed is currently compatible with Facebook and Flickr sharing as well as through email.
Nik has used its expertise in desktop plug-ins to take its affordable mobile app to a new level. Snapseed is easy to use and can produce high-quality edits quickly. It can also be integrated into a workflow centered around Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (and we can hope iPhoto in the future). I would like to see Nik utilize Snapseed's useful U-Point technology more in the focus and details control though.
The user interface of Snapseed for Mac/PC is extremely similar to the iPad version but has a few welcome changes - for one, you can actually zoom in on your photos - a feature that is frustratingly absent from the iOS version of the app. The app also runs more quickly on a powerful desktop computer, and applying images and saving takes less time on our 27in iMac than it does on a latest-generation iPad. Still missing, unfortunately, is a batch processing feature, but overall Snapseed is a great app when it comes to making your photos unique without having to spend hours in Photoshop or oversimplify your photos in a lo-fi editor.
We like: U-point controls, Aperture and Lightroom integration, thumbnail previews of effects, adjustable lo-fi filters and frames, focus control
We don't like (Relatively) slow processing times for large files, U-Point controls not utilized in some effects.
May 27, 2015
May 22, 2015
Apr 27, 2015
May 28, 2015
I own it
I want it
I had it
Discuss in the forums
I have a program PSP X4 for regular editing, but I often turn to this for quick editing. I reckon it's a bargain, I love using it on my desktop. I've had it for about 2 months and paid $19.95 for it - money well spent. It's good if you have a second laptop (I have an ACER Aspire One Happy, 10" with 2 GB RAM) that I take when on holidays, because it's light and easy - I can edit pics and it keeps me occupied on the plane because the smaller netbook can't take such a big program as PSP X4. I love using photo apps for desktop, I also have Camerabag. I'm a Samsung camphone junkie too. I'm no professional, I just love to play - I say bring on more apps for desktop, I'll shell out 20 bucks for anything new and different
yeah, you'll always have apps like these that will make digital photography easier.. and i guess i am a little against it as i don't use these & it will no doubt make everyone think they are a professional..
At the end of the day though, you can't have a good photo without good composition, and there will (hopefully) never be an app that is solely based on doing that.
I use it as main editing ap on iphone . For what it is its awesome. I used every nik product with photoshop when i had pro gear and time for real photography. Now i dont have neither so im always on the road and every now abd then snap away with iphone. I wish the added just a little more features like better vignette control tint feature to wb tool , and more options to selective adjusting points like expanded option for separate colors ,sharpening and structure adjustment. But still , dont hesitate to get it for either platform you wont be disappointed.
Great list of features. Itching to get it soon. Hope I could afford it.
Great software!
Decided to bought it, $20 is worth a try, and from my point of view, there's no good or bad tools, it all depends on the people that use them.
Using Photoshop and LightRoom, I decided to limit picture modifications to the possibility enabled by film photography, but I understand some other may have other limits or want to push think further, art is something personal and subjective.
Am I the only one to think apps such as these are making so called "creative photography" increasingly easy, trivial, gimmicky, lazy, boring, repetitive and ultimately irrelevant?
At least PS and the like require some training and knowledge, and benefit from an understanding of the mechanics of photography. But the new generation of apps are too brilliant for our own good.
Basically, within 6 months from now, nobody will raise an eyebrow for any similar output, and, unless you live on a desert island with no Internet, the only reaction facing a "creative" image will be to yawn and deride the Snapspeed filter that was used. Even if the picture is in fact truly a 19th century wet plate print or a 40s Kodachrome slide retrieved from a sunken ship or the outcome of a complex experiment at sophisticated cross processing.
I might be overly elitist, but the only way forward for meaningful photography might be in going back to the basics.
You can say the same about any modern "abilities" we have now for granted. Just change "photography" etc. to "planes", "computers", "cell phones", "cars"... "medicine"... and even "photo camera" again.
there are 2 ways - one either goes with the development or falls behind. Like it or not - this never gonna change.
I agree with you JacquesBalthazar, it seems that the 'real' world just isn't good enough anymore. Although I use snapseed a lot (together with a few other apps) on my iPad, my photography is just fun and I don't take it seriously. I mean, I mainly use my iPhone.
I don't even use Photoshop anymore. Photography is becoming increasingly unreal and fake.
Bottom line: Computers and Software are in control, it's just too easy! People just want to go click, click, click and can't be bothered learning real skills.
I think your question touches on the art vs. kich debate. A professor of mine defined it simply by stating " when you have worked an image too far, and it no longer resembles the negative, the net result is an under-whelming response by the audience."
Of course this was some 20 years ago but his statement is even more valuable today given the ease of image distribution and the sheer number of "photographers" ( every cell phone is a camera ).
So what defines pure photography...film, trays and chemistry?
In my opinion photography has transcended the "is it art" debate to become a real time language complete with dialect and location. Images are how we communicate now which is probably why Instagram fetched $1B while FB stock nose dives.
Applying snazzy effects to boring images may impress viewers who wouldn't know a work of art if it smacked them in the face, but it absolutely does NOT make artistic photography boring or irrelevant. But the training that Photoshop requires is also irrelevant. Art is art, however you make it. And rubbish is rubbish.
"Few people know how to do" does not make it more "art" or "creative". It's actually more of a gimmick.
Everyone can pick up a brush but there is only one Picasso.
It will enhance, but not replace good photography. Great photos have always been about understanding composition and the play of light and for me at least, whatever the dangers of making ordinary photos more interesting, it won't supplant the best ones. Esoteric effects that formerly has to be done through painstaking analogue (or complex photoshop) operations will be a lot easier to access.
For me, though, this is what photography has always strived to be, the equipment and processing power have just stifled it's creative potential by limiting most photography's relevance. If more people can benefit from the emotional communication offered by cross-processing, or limiting the depth of field digitally, then this can only be a god thing and one reason why we are stepping into a realm of visual communication for things which words previously struggled and stumbled to convey.
Techniques may not stand out so well, except perhaps even more complex ones, but truly artistic photos will.
I agree effect filters can cheapen things to a degree. One thing however that you can't fake however is content.
You need to have the right subject in the right angle in the right lighting with the expression, etc. This is very obvious in movies. All the special effects in the world can't fix a bad script and some films are wonderful without any effects. But, sometimes, effects can serve a script (or picture) and make it come alive. And, if computers can help us knock those effects out so we have more time at the gym, planting flowers, etc. that is good.
In the end, I fall in between. Effects make an image stand out and yes, have become de riguer. But, it still takes an empathetic mind, the desire to find the right angle and motivation to capture a decent picture in the first place. In short, we need to make sure that kids keep getting art classes through college so they aren't bewitched by effects and can make decisions about what is quality and what is sugar frosting.
Re the previous two comments...
when Picasso was asked "What is Art?" he replied
"What isn't"
Moving away from photography when visiting a Modern Art Gallery do we really know what is or what is not ART?
For me the answer is relatively simple. If I respond emotionally to it or not. Stuffed sharks don't work for me regardless of what the crits say.
Ultimately, the medium may or may not be the message however, the 'message' is the operative word and if there is one it matters not a jot if its SOOC with a pinhole cam or using a Noctilux or even a cheap effects filter.
I was able to use it right away. It is simple and easy. I tried Aperture. Photoshop, Lightroom and could not get the hang of them. Snapseed gives you zone control that is easy.
Photoshop , i understand . Took me weeks to learn even the basics. Aperture can be little confusing , but lightroom ?? Cmon man take few minutes to watch some great turorials by Matt Kloskowski and youll see how really simple it is. I hardly participated in forums lately but as i remember ... Id you spend SO much money and effort trying just about every cam out there you should really stop and focus some of that on mastering photo editing. It makes a huge difference! Just a thought...
You say it can save the file with the same dimensions, is the file compressed though, I'm guessing an edited RAW file will be saved as a compressed JPEG?
you can save them as TIFF with the new update.
I love this software and i manage to get some amazing photos whith a "whatever" photo. And it does do a better job with black and white then lightroom with certain photos
All this and more features in Nikon Capture NX2 software. As a Nikon user why would you bother with this limited version.
Lack of filter level undo is the most frustrating aspect of this app on any platform. Plus inability to zoom-in on iPhone or even iPad (why?). I also agree that it's frustrating to have such a powerful and easy to use feature as U-point but then not let it to apply selective sharpness and blur.
Still on iPad and iPhone Snapseed is my go-to editing app despite inexplicable omissions of non-destructive edits and zoom. But why anybody will pay for it on desktop with all its limitations is beyond me.
I'm a semi-pro photographer/pro cameraman and I bought this ap after a friend of mine (stefano Borghi) recommended it to me (and he doesn't spend a $ on anything unless it will be useful or help him out in anyway) and i'm starting to love this ap. It's a young ap but it has a promising future.
with multi photo editing, history of the changes made, a better way of zooming while editing, a brush for precise work and a few more
I hope that helped
Its a nice addition to Lightroom 4. Been using it for a while now and quite enjoy how quick one can edit an image and share through various ports of social networking and so on and so forth.
How does it integrate with Aperture? It seems like you have to export a file from Aperture and then open it in Snapseed, process it, save it, and then import it back into Aperture. Is there a more direct workflow option I'm missing here?
Never mind - figured it out. Just make it the external editor in preferences. Just make sure to hit "save" and close Snapseed to save the changes back to aperture - if you use the little icon in the upper right, it will do a "save as" and put the processed file god knows where...
I'll download it for my PC. I enjoyed the read ;)
I like Snapseed, but the biggest Con for me is that there is no way to save custom "presets". Every photo has to be processed from scratch.
I agree... it's a pain in the A°° but i'm sure it will come with future updates
which snapseed app are you referring to? the desktop app or the iphone app?
on the iphone app it doesn't have the custom presets nor the ability to undo but the desktop app does have these features
I agree with everything you wrote except I would like to see the changes implemented on the Mac and the Ipad especially in regard to control points.
It is a great program on both platforms but needs the improvements you stressed.
Wow....I am amazed by the features.......can't wait to try it out....!!
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We're counting down our top 10 most popular sample galleries of 2017 – the Fujifilm X100F takes the bronze and the #3 spot.
There's never been a better time to shop for a new camera, but the number of options available can be overwhelming. In this series of buying guides we've provided customized recommendations for several use cases, from shooting landscapes to buying a first camera for a student photographer.
Shopping for a camera with a set budget? No problem! We've rounded up our favorite cameras, broken them into price brackets and picked the best of the bunch.
Looking for a lightweight compact camera that's easy to bring with you anywhere? Or maybe you're smartphone-shopping and want the one that takes the best picture. And what if you want to shoot from above? In these buyers guides we have recommendations for the best compact cameras, smartphones and drones.
Despite reports to the contrary, analysis of DPReview images by our friend Jim Kasson confirms a disappointing fact: Sony a7R III is still a Star Eater. But there may be some improvements.
As the saying goes: A photo is worth a thousand words. And if you're sending that photo through Facebook Messenger, your thousand words now look twice as nice after today's update to 4K resolution.
Get to know the new Leica CL in short order by giving our 90 second 'First look' video a watch.
Leica has just released the CL, the forth in its series of APS-C L-mount cameras. Despite sharing a name with a camera released in the mid-70s, the new CL is a thoroughly modern ILC, with a 24MP sensor and built-in electronic viewfinder.
The Leica CL is a 24MP rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, which sits alongside the TL2 in the company's APS-C lineup. We've been using one for a few days – check out our gallery of images.
While it shares a name with one of Leica's most popular and affordable cameras of the 1970s, the new CL is separated from its namesake by more than just years. We've been using one for a few days - click through for a detailed first-impressions report.
We're counting down our top 10 most popular sample galleries of 2017, and the #4 ranking goes to the Leica M10.
Sigma is discounting 13 different high-performance 'Art' series lenses from today until November 30th. The company is calling it an 'unprecedented' sale.
See DJI's 'AeroScope' drone-tracking technology in action. This is the system that DJI says can help law enforcement and airport (among others) track and identify rogue drones.
iPhone X owners can already accessorize their new phone with high-quality smartphone photography lenses courtesy of Moment's new lineup.
Considering buying Sigma's exciting new 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens for crop-sensor E-Mount and M43? Check out these official full-res samples first!
Vimeo has just added support for 8K HDR 10-bit content, making it possible to show up to 75% of the colors the human eye can perceive vs the usual 35%. Take THAT YouTube.
The holidays are coming, but your gear isn't cutting it? It's time to treat yourself!
We're counting down our top 10 most popular sample galleries of 2017, and sitting pretty at #5 is the Fujifilm X-T20.
See some of the most iconic black-and-white photographs throughout history brought to life by a community of colorization enthusiasts and professional retouchers in the new book Retrographic.
Shopping for a photographer? Whether you are one yourself or not, chances are you could use some ideas. From stocking stuffers on up, we've got some photography gift suggestions for every budget.
We're counting down our top 10 most popular sample galleries of 2017. Drum roll please... the #6 spot belongs to none other than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DH HSM Art.
Read the story behind this gorgeous wedding photo captured at Trolltunga in Norway by husband and wife duo Priscila Valentina Photography. The 14 hour hike in the rain that preceded this shot was TOTALLY worth it.
Go behind the scenes with filmmaker Nick Arcivos, who recently created a beautiful cinematic short film in Paris using only the iPhone X, a couple of gimbals, and a few lights. The results are very impressive.
A Bay Area startup offering a pay-by-the-photo camera service cleverly addresses the pain points photographers experience when they pick up their first DSLR. But can it survive the smartphone?
It's been a big year for software innovations, dual cameras and huge displays. Take a look at our picks for the top smartphone cameras and why we think they stand out.
We're counting down our top 10 most popular sample galleries of 2017. At the #7 spot is the ready-for-any-weather Olympus Tough TG-5.
By combining his skills as a time-lapse filmmaker and an engineer, Julian Tryba created this out-of-this-world creative 'layer-lapse' of New York City that alternates between night and day in time with the music.
Canon Japan's new lineup of novelty camera-themed gifts was just revealed online, including a lens mug and lens thermos, two retro camera-themed USB drives, and a picnic mat.
The Profoto A1 most certainly isn't for everyone [...] But for those who are used to using the Profoto systems, and want something that pairs seamlessly with the strobes you already have, there is no better companion.
Fujifilm has asked a US district court to clear it of any wrongdoing, after allegedly being threatened with trademark litigation by Polaroid.

subset: commoncrawl


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TacFit, short for Tactical Fitness, utilizes unconventional lifting techniques and equipment to improve anaerobic output and aerobic endurance. The Tactical Fitness Assessment (TFA) was designed as a test for the military, police, fire or EMS. Based on the TFA requirements, TacFit was created by personal trainer Peter Purcell, a former infantry medic and health care specialist.
Used as a baseline fitness measurement, the TFA tests individual's max performance in one minute for: push-ups, crunches, body weight squats, pull ups and requires a timed 500-meter row and 1.5-mile run. At Chelsea Piers, TacFit provides an intense challenge for anyone looking to improve overall core strength and cardiovascular output. During the six-week series, participants meet three times per week and are provided with an individual cardio training plan to complete on their own.
To establish a baseline, the assessment is given during the second workout. In the proceeding weeks, Purcell presents team oriented workouts designed to improve test results. In the final week of the series, the assessment is given again to measure the improvement of participants over the six-week period.
Throughout the TacFit Training Series the MYZONE heartrate belt is worn by all participants to hold them accountable during each workout. Weekly challenges are presented to push each person to their maximum effort level.
"I'm excited about this new training series because it offers accountability, variety and measurable results," said Carolina Quiroga, director of the Athletic Club at Chelsea Piers Connecticut. "The class takes boot camp to the next level with a starting point, MYZONE feedback throughout and a final test to finish the six-week series. It is a great option for someone that loves team work, working toward an event and wants a total body workout to kick the New Year off right."
In addition to the TacFit Training Series, an abbreviated version of the workout is also offered in the form of a one-hour group fitness class, offered several times a week at the ChelseaPiers Athletic Club.
Chelsea Piers Connecticut (CPCT) is a 500,000-square-foot state-of-the-art sports and recreation facility in Stamford, just off I-95 at Exit 9. Opened in July 2012, Chelsea Piers features two indoor ice rinks, an Olympic pool and adjacent 6,000-sq.-ft. Splash Zone indoor water park, a 14,000-sq.-ft. gymnastics training center, a three-studio Dance Academy, 11 singles and one hardball doubles squash court, seven indoor hard court tennis courts, an indoor turf baseball/softball training facility and five batting cages, a 12,000-sq.-ft. Adventure Center featuring a recreational trampoline center, a 24-foot high rock wall and a Little Athletes gym for children six months to five years, and a Field House with a 100-yard turf field, four hardwood basketball/volleyball courts and a 1/5-mile track.
In December 2014, Chelsea Piers Connecticut opened a world-class 65,000 square-foot health & fitness facility and clubhouse called "CP-AC Fitness." The members-only fitness facility features 25,000 square feet of strength and cardio equipment, a dedicated mind/body center for Pilates Reformer classes, multi-disciplinary and hot yoga, as well as traditional group fitness studios and dedicated space for triathlon and competitive cycling training. There are more than 110 weekly fitness classes and programs. Additionally, there is a custom Queenax Bridge studio creating endless possibilities for suspension, boxing and functional training.
Opened at Chelsea Piers Connecticut in March 2015, The LOFT is a 4,000-square-foot industrial-style event space perfect for a wide range of event formats including Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, milestone celebrations, galas and corporate events. The LOFT compliments the vast array of existing event options at Chelsea Piers including corporate team building, school groups and family days.
Like Chelsea Piers New York, Chelsea Piers Connecticut combines world-class athletic facilities with an extensive array of professional instructors and year-round sports programming for children and adults of all ages. There are more than 10 teams competing under the Chelsea Piers Athletic Club umbrella. CPCT is also home to a childcare facility and preschool, a grab-and-go café, a full-service bar, Stamford Hospital's 18,500-square-foot Orthopedic and Spine Institute, CrossFit S-Town and a BlueStreak Sports athletic training center.


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成為會員 註册
Do you ever compare your surf pants with other guy surf pants? If ever, would have answered no difference. Any brand will definitely looks same. Boring, right?
Try it for your own design surf pants. Create your design by freeing imagination of ordinary surf pants. When it done the design and then upload it here. We can process your creations quickly, cheaply and certainly the best quality.
Sthenolid made of 62 % cotton ( 5 per cent of which is organic ) , 34 % polyester and 4 % spandex.
請勿更改預設的檔案大小, 可引致印花大小不正確, Custom HK 不會補印.


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Supermarket Workers: They're Striking For All of UsThis about says it all: "For the cashiers and stockers on the picket lines, the fight to fend off large-scale concessions is a struggle to avoid being thrown into one of America's lowest castes, the working poor." Check out the article.
And, as the headline says, they're striking for all of us:
"The stakes are enormous," said Ruth Milkman, chairwoman of the University of California Institute for Labor and Employment. "If the employers succeed in their effort to extract large concessions, they will turn these into low-wage jobs, and other employers across the nation will see this as a green light to try to do the same thing."Check out the UFCW strike page for more information about the strikes and some things you can do (like send e-mails to Safeway, or send money to the strike fund.)


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LocationThis hotel is located in the heart of Ocho Rios, only around 2 minutes from Turtle Beach. Shops, entertainment venues, restaurants, and nightlife venues are all located in the immediate vicinity. guests will reach the Hard Rock Café by public transport in about 2 minutes, and both Margaritaville and the Dunn's River Falls in approximately 5 minutes. It is about one and a half hours to Montego Bay airport.LocalizaçãoO hotel situa-se no[...]Leia mais [+]
Jaca Paradise Villa is a holiday home with free WiFi throughout the property, set in Ocho Rios. It provides free private parking.Composed of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with hot tub and bath, this holiday home is fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a blu-ray player and a CD player. There is a seating area, a dining area and a kitchen. A TV and DVD player is featured. There is a shared bathroom with a shower.You can play table[...]Leia mais [+]
Villa Barbary features stunning views of Ocho Rios Bay Beach from the terrace, a swimming pool with an area to take sun bathes and a beautiful garden.The villa comes with a full kitchen and a dining area. There is also a living room with garden views. The first floor bedrooms radiate from an open air atrium. The bathroom has bath and shower.Guests can find a variety of shops at Ocean Village Shopping Centre only 2 km away.Ocho Rios Bay Beach is[...]Leia mais [+]
Located 23 km from Runaway Bay and 6 km from Roscommon, Cloud 9 Beach Suite Apartment offers accommodation in Ocho Rios. Free WiFi is available and free private parking is available on site.There is a dining area and a kitchen as well as a private bathroom. A flat-screen TV is featured. Other facilities at Cloud 9 Beach Suite Apartment include a terrace.Car hire is available at the property and the area is popular for horse riding and[...]Leia mais [+]
Featuring free WiFi, Studio on the Beach III - Ocho Rios offers pet-friendly accommodation in Ocho Rios. Runaway Bay is 24 km away.There is also a kitchenette, equipped with an oven. A microwave, a refrigerator and stovetop are also available, as well as a kettle. There is a private bathroom with a bath or shower in every unit. Bed linen is provided.Studio on the Beach III - Ocho Rios also offers massage treatments and includes a spa centre and[...]Leia mais [+]
Located in Ocho Rios, The Big White Villa offers an outdoor pool and a spa and wellness centre. This self-catering accommodation features free WiFi. Norman Manley International Airport is 111 km away.Air conditioning is provided at Villa Big White. There is a fully equipped kitchen and spacious living area with a cable TV, DVD player, video games and a computer.Guests can enjoy relaxing on the terrace or use the barbecue to cook their meals. The[...]Leia mais [+]
Offering an outdoor swimming pool, garden and sea views, Deletas Delight is located in Ocho Rios. Free WiFi access is available in all areas.Each room here will provide you with seating area, TV, DVD player and a CD player. Featuring a shower, the private bathrooms also come with bathrobes. You can enjoy sea view and pool view from the room.At Deletas Delight you will find a restaurant and breakfast included in the rate. Other facilities offered[...]Leia mais [+]
Located in Ocho Rios, Carib Ocho Rios offers a restaurant and a private beach area. This apartment boasts excellent sea views, plus free on-site parking and WiFi.The apartment features 1 air-conditioned room and a quaint kitchen with a fridge, stove, oven and microwave. There is also a seating area and a furnished patio for guests to relax.At Carib Ocho Rios you will find a garden and a bar, and the property can help arrange activities like[...]Leia mais [+]
Seekers Guest House is located in Ocho Rios, just 500 metres from Mahogany Beach. It features free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking.The bright, functional rooms at this property come with a fan and a private bathroom with a toilet and a shower or bath.Guests can find several sea-side restaurants within 200 metres of the property, and a greater variety of options is available within just 1 km of Seekers Guest house.Ian Fleming International Airport[...]Leia mais [+]
Crystal Cove Villa is a self-catering accommodation located in Ocho Rios Beach, 1 km from Mahogany Beach. Free Wi-Fi, a garden, hot tub and a swimming pool are featured.This villa offers TV, air conditioning and a balcony. There is a kitchen with a microwave and a refrigerator. Featuring a bath or shower, private bathrooms also come with towels and linen.Guests can find a variety of restaurants and bars 1 km away. A Café Bar and a supermarket[...]Leia mais [+]
Localizado apenas a 500 metros do oceano na ensolarada cidade de Ocho Ríos, o The Blue House Boutique Bed & Breakfast dispõe de acesso Wi-Fi gratuito, de uma piscina exterior e de estacionamento privativo. O pequeno-almoço diário está incluído na tarifa do quarto.Cada quarto com ar condicionado na The Blue House inclui televisão por cabo premium, um cofre e uma casa de banho privativa com um secador de cabelo, um duche e um WC. A propriedade[...]Leia mais [+]
Featuring tropical botanical gardens, a swimming pool and wonderful sea and mountain views, High Hope Estate is located in Ocho Rios, just 5 km from Dunns River Falls. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.The beautifully decorated rooms are furnished with antiques from England and Jamaica, and include a fan, cable TV and a fridge. All have an en suite bathroom and a verandah with spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea and the hills of St Ann.The[...]Leia mais [+]
Offering a garden and an outdoor swimming pool, Turtle Towers Penthouse is located in Ocho Rios. Runaway Bay is 23 km away.Featuring a balcony, all units are air conditioned and include a dining area and a seating area with a satellite flat-screen TV. There is also a kitchen, fitted with an oven and microwave. A toaster, a refrigerator and stovetop are also available, as well as a kettle. Towels and bed linen are provided.One-way airport shuttle[...]Leia mais [+]
Localização FOR LOC IMPORT Paradise White House Villa-Ocho Rios is located near the beach in Ocho Rios and close to Columbus Foot Beach, Praia das Tartarugas, and Shaw Park Botanical Gardens. FOR LOC IMPORT Other points of interest near this este estabelecimento include Turtle River ParkCoyaba River Garden. Características do estabelecimento FOR LOC IMPORT Recreational amenities include uma piscina exterioruma banheira de hidromassagem. FOR[...]Leia mais [+]
Localização FOR LOC IMPORT Paradise Viento Beachfront Villa is located on the beach in Ocho Rios, close to Reggae Beach, Prospect Plantation, and White River Reggae Park. FOR LOC IMPORT Other points of interest near this este estabelecimento include Coconut Grove Shopping VillageMahogany Beach. Características do estabelecimento FOR LOC IMPORT Recreational amenities include uma piscina exterior. FOR LOC IMPORT Guest parking is complimentary.[...]Leia mais [+]
Localização FOR LOC IMPORT Paradise Cannon Oceanfront Villas is located near the beach in Ocho Rios and close to Dunn's River Craft Park, Dunn's River Falls, and Praia das Tartarugas. FOR LOC IMPORT Other points of interest near this este estabelecimento include Dolphin CoveMystic Mountain. Características do estabelecimento FOR LOC IMPORT The este estabelecimento serves breakfast each morning (surcharges apply). FOR LOC IMPORT Room service is[...]Leia mais [+]
Localização FOR LOC IMPORT Paradise Coral Cay Villas is located on the beach in Ocho Rios, close to Reggae Beach, Prospect Plantation, and White River Reggae Park. FOR LOC IMPORT Coconut Grove Shopping Village is also a point of interest near this este hotel. Características do hotel FOR LOC IMPORT Paradise Coral Cay Villas features um bar junto à piscinaum bar/lounge. FOR LOC IMPORT The este hotel serves completo breakfasts each morning[...]Leia mais [+]
Localização FOR LOC IMPORT Paradise Harmony Cottages is located on the beach in central Ocho Rios, close to Ocho Rios Beach, Dunn's River Falls, and Dolphin Cove. FOR LOC IMPORT Other points of interest near this este hotel include Taj Mahal Mall and Island Village. Características do hotel FOR LOC IMPORT Dining options at Paradise Harmony Cottages include um restaurante and uma cafetaria. FOR LOC IMPORT um bar na praia is open for drinks. FOR[...]Leia mais [+]
Procuras um hotel em Ocho Rios? Rumbo oferece-te as melhores ofertas de alojamento, ajudando-te a encontrar os estabelecimentos mais Centrais, os melhor comunicados ou os locais com mais charme; sempre a usufruir das tarifas mais económicas. Prepara com Rumbo a tua viagem de negócios, a tua escapadela de fim de semana a tua próxima ponte ou as tuas férias de verão em Rumbo Se procuras o melhor preço, compara. Vais ver a diferença. Apenas tens de indicar a data de entrada e saída e premir o botão "procurar" O nosso buscador de Hotéis em Ocho Rios oferecer-te-á uma selecção com os melhores preços de Hotéis em Ocho Rios.


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Operators of Woodall services on the M1 have joined the list of objectors to a proposed motorway service area near Chapeltown.
The Welcome Break group, which runs 24 motorway operations, says there is no clear need for the proposed £20m development off junction 35 - and no exceptional circumstances to justify it being in the green belt.
Environment and community groups, residents and MPs are opposing the Extra Motorway Service Area Group's plans, mainly because of the loss of part of ancient woodland at Smithy Wood.
Extra says the J35 services would meet a need for services between Woolley Edge and Woodall on M1 and it points to the predicted economic benefits of its scheme, including a food court and shops, an 80-bedroom hotel and filling station. An estimated 300 jobs would be created.
To compensate for the loss of trees, new woodland would be planted, and private woodland opened to the public.
But the project has resulted in widespread opposition being registered with the council.
Now Welcome Break has joined the fray. It is telling the council although commercial competition is not a planning consideration, it is important that wider implications are taken into account when judging whether there are special circumstances to support changes to the green belt.
Junction 35 is less than 28 miles between Woolley Edge and Woodall - and there is no "compelling" evidence of a drive time that would justify another motorway service area, it is argued.
There is the "probability" that the development, with a "substantial" amount of shops floorspace, would become a destination in its own right, diverting business from established shopping centres. "While the positive economic benefits of the development are presented, the analysis is not balanced by any consideration of the potential negative impacts, either on the surrounding area or on the other motorways services on the network."
On the environmental implications, Welcome Break add: "The circumstances ... are not sufficiently special to warrant such an intrusion into the green belt."
No council decision is likely until next month at the earliest.


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I've download the nuclear / cytoplasm analysis pipeline "ExampleVitra" and have tried to adapt it for my use. When I run a test I get the following errors. The project is attached.
.20170411_edited_nuclear_cyto.cpproj (871.7 KB)
Traceback (most recent call last): File "cellprofiler\gui\pipelinecontroller.pyc", line 2826, in do_step File "cellprofiler\pipeline.pyc", line 2067, in run_module File "cellprofiler\modules\namesandtypes.pyc", line 1409, in run File "cellprofiler\modules\namesandtypes.pyc", line 1461, in add_image_provider File "cellprofiler\modules\namesandtypes.pyc", line 1494, in add_simple_image File "cellprofiler\modules\namesandtypes.pyc", line 1513, in add_provider_measurements File "cellprofiler\measurements.pyc", line 1616, in get_image File "cellprofiler\modules\namesandtypes.pyc", line 1988, in provide_image File "cellprofiler\modules\loadimages.pyc", line 3212, in provide_imageKeyError: 'Image'
I can't actually try running this without the images (maybe one of your images is corrupted?), but your pipeline loads up fine on my computer. What version of CP are you using, and on what OS? Does it work in your hands if you try doing it with the example images provided alongside the pipeline?
I've tried more images using my pipeline and get the same error. Theexample images that were provided along side the work fine. I am using CP2.2.0 (rev ac0529e) on Windows 7 enterprise. Of note, I've also triedrunning the same pipeline with that same version of CP on my Macbook withOS X and get the same error.
That suggests to me that there's something wrong with your images. If you double click on them in the 'File list' window, do they open alright? Are the illumination correction functions the same size as the images you're applying them to?


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FDA stops imports of dairy, produce from Japan
Tweet The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that it will cease importation of dairy products and produce from the area of Japan where a nuclear reactor is leaking radiation. The FDA mentioned that those foods will be seized at entry and will not be sold to the public. The agency previously said that it [Continue reading]