Virtual golf simulation apparatus and keyboard device therefor

Abstract

The present invention is to provide a virtual golf simulation device and a keyboard device used therefor, in which, in order to enable a user who steps into a hitting zone to perform a golf shot to implement a function in a virtual golf simulation process, a keyboard device capable of being easily operated using a part of the user's body or a golf club held by the user is provided, and by improving a mechanical button pressing method of a conventional button operation device, the function of the virtual golf simulation device can be simply and conveniently operated while the user is given a sense of operation based on keyboard operation, so that the reliability of the operation can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual golf simulation device and a keyboard device therein, and more specifically, to a virtual golf simulation device and a keyboard device therein that enables golfers to easily operate menus or specified content on the screen while enjoying virtual golf, thus providing convenience for golfers. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the increase in the number of golfers, so-called screen golf systems have emerged that allow people to enjoy golf practice and virtual golf competitions using virtual golf simulators and other similar devices.

[0003] This screen golf system involves setting up a screen indoors that can display a virtual golf course, and sensing the speed, direction, and other parameters of the golf ball as the user hits it onto the screen, then displaying the progress of the golf ball on the screen.

[0004] Thus, the screen golf system and the like, realized by virtual golf simulation devices, are characterized by the ability to feel as if they are actually playing a round on a golf course when hitting a golf ball, just like hitting a golf ball at a golf driving range.

[0005] However, when a user enters the hitting area to hit a golf ball, there are situations where the user needs to interact with specific information displayed on the screen. Previously, in such cases, the user had to leave the hitting area, move to the control unit, perform the interaction with the specified information, and then re-enter the hitting area, which was very cumbersome and inconvenient.

[0006] To address this problem, a technique has emerged that provides a button-operated device with multiple operation buttons to perform various functions during a virtual golf simulation. Related prior art documents include Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0923069, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1799920, and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1824395.

[0007] The aforementioned prior art documents disclose a technique in which a button operation device is placed around the user's hitting area, which has functions such as performing directional operation buttons or placing the golf ball on the tee, viewing the terrain grid, and giving a shot during the virtual golf simulation. This allows the user, upon entering the hitting area, to perform the desired function by pressing a designated button on the button operation device with their foot or a golf club.

[0008] When a user performs an operation to execute a specified function in the striking area, since the user mainly uses their feet or the golf club they are holding while wearing shoes, mechanical button-pressing operation devices, as described above, have been provided to provide a sense of operation.

[0009] However, during the virtual golf simulation, when users operate the golf club or other devices by pressing mechanical buttons on the control device each time, there is a problem of increased fatigue and inconvenience caused by pressing the mechanical buttons.

[0010] Furthermore, although there are many and diverse functions that can be achieved through user operation during virtual golf simulation, the button operation device, as mentioned above, is located around the hitting area, which is limited in size and the number of buttons is also limited. Therefore, the functions that can be achieved by buttons are also limited. As a result, in order to perform functions that cannot be performed by button operation device, the user eventually has to leave the hitting area and move closer to the keyboard or control panel to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] This invention provides a virtual golf simulation device and a keyboard device therein. To enable a user to perform functions during the virtual golf simulation by stepping into the hitting area to hit a golf ball, a keyboard device is provided that can be easily operated using a part of the user's body or the golf club held by the user. Furthermore, by improving upon the mechanical button-pressing method of conventional button-operated devices, the functions of the virtual golf simulation device can be operated simply and conveniently while providing the user with a keyboard-based operating feel, thereby improving the reliability of the operation.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a virtual golf simulation device and a keyboard device therein, that is, even if the number of keys provided by the keyboard is limited, it is still possible to achieve a variety of functions through the keyboard, so as to solve the problem in the prior art that in the virtual golf simulation process, there are many and many functions that can be achieved by user operation, while the number of functions that can be achieved by buttons in the operating device is limited.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention provides a keyboard device for a virtual golf simulator, comprising: a keyboard body having a plurality of key activation units that sense the operation of a part of a user's body or a golf club and elicit a tactile response; a keyboard cover attached to the upper end of the keyboard body and having a key display unit at a position corresponding to each of the key activation units that displays the function of a key; and a control unit that, as the user performs the operation on a specified key display unit, elicits a tactile response of the key activation unit corresponding to the corresponding key display unit and generates a key function corresponding to the corresponding key display unit.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, each of the key activation units comprises: a sensor unit configured to sense at least one of the user's body part or a golf club approaching, contacting, and pressing as the operation; and a vibration module that generates vibration for the tactile response as the sensor unit senses the operation.

[0017] Furthermore, preferably, each of the key activation units further includes a light-emitting module, which emits light through each of the key display units as the sensor unit senses the operation.

[0018] Furthermore, preferably, the sensor unit includes a metal sensing sensor that senses a metallic material and transmits a sensing value corresponding to the distance from the metallic material to the control unit, which recognizes the operation as the head of the golf club approaches or contacts the key display unit within a predetermined distance based on the sensing value of the metal sensing sensor.

[0019] Furthermore, preferably, the sensor unit includes a pressure sensing sensor that transmits a sensing value corresponding to the pressure of an object to the control unit, and the control unit recognizes the user's body part touching or pressing the key display unit as the operation based on the sensing value of the pressure sensing sensor.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably, the sensor unit includes: a metal sensing sensor that senses a metallic material and transmits a sensing value corresponding to the distance from the metallic material to the control unit; and a pressure sensing sensor that transmits a sensing value corresponding to the pressure of a non-metallic object to the control unit, wherein the control unit identifies the user's body part and the golf club's proximity, contact, and pressing as the operation based on the sensing values ​​of the metal sensing sensor and the pressure sensing sensor.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, the control unit is configured to: sense the operation of a corresponding key as the user performs the operation on the designated key display unit, calculate the duration of the operation, and generate preset key functions that are different from each other based on the calculated duration of the operation.

[0022] On the other hand, a keyboard device for a virtual golf simulator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of keys, which are distinguished according to the functions provided by the virtual golf simulator; a sensor unit disposed on each of the keys to sense the operation of a part of the user's body or a golf club; and a control unit that identifies the sensing value of the sensor unit as the user performs the operation on the key, maintains the identification of the sensing value of the sensor unit until the operation is released, and generates a preset key function based on the maintenance time.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, the sensor unit is configured to include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of the following: proximity, contact, and pressing of a part of the user's body or a golf club as the operation.

[0024] Furthermore, preferably, the sensor unit is configured to include a metal sensing sensor, which transmits a sensing value corresponding to the distance from the metal material to the control unit to sense when the head of the golf club approaches or contacts the key display unit within a predetermined distance. The control unit maintains recognition of the sensing value of the metal sensing sensor until the approach or contact state of the head of the golf club is released, and implements different key functions depending on the range of the maintained time.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the sensor unit is configured to include a pressure sensing sensor that transmits a sensing value corresponding to the pressure of an object to the control unit to sense when a part of the user's body touches or presses the key display unit. The control unit maintains recognition of the sensing value of the pressure sensing sensor until the contact or pressing state of the part of the user's body is released, and implements different key functions depending on the range of the maintained time.

[0026] On the other hand, a keyboard device for a virtual golf simulator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of keys, which are distinguished according to the functions provided by the virtual golf simulator; a sensor unit disposed on each of the keys to sense the operation of a part of the user's body or a golf club; and a control unit that generates a preset function according to the sequence of operations on combinations of two or more of the plurality of keys.

[0027] Furthermore, preferably, the sensor unit is configured to sense the approach or contact of the golf club head, and the control unit is configured to sense the operation sequence of the key combination corresponding to the indicated action of the golf club head caused by the approach or contact and generate a preset function corresponding to the indicated action.

[0028] On the other hand, a keyboard device for a virtual golf simulator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of keys, which are distinguished according to the functions provided by the virtual golf simulator; a sensor unit disposed on each of the keys to sense the operation of a part of the user's body or a golf club; and a control unit that sets at least one of the plurality of keys to perform multiple functions, identifies the type of user operation sensed by the sensor unit, and matches a corresponding function among the multiple functions of the keys for each type of user operation, so that different functions can be implemented for each key according to the type of user operation.

[0029] Furthermore, preferably, the control unit controls the operation of the corresponding key to function as the user's operation when the sensor unit senses the user's operation on the key, and when no other type of subsequent operation on the corresponding key is sensed within a preset time.

[0030] On the other hand, another embodiment of the virtual golf simulation device of the present invention includes: a simulator that realizes a simulated image of a virtual ball moving on a virtual golf course image based on sensing information of the movement of at least one of a golf ball and a golf club as the user hits a golf ball in the hitting area; an image output unit that outputs the virtual golf course image and the simulated image realized by the simulator; and a keyboard device that includes a plurality of keys, a sensor unit, and a control unit, the plurality of keys being arranged in a manner that allows the user entering the hitting area to operate on the hitting area or at a position adjacent to the hitting area, capable of performing operations to realize the functions provided by the simulator, and distinguished according to the functions provided by the simulator, the sensor unit being provided on each of the keys to sense the operation of a part of the user's body or the golf club, and the control unit generating a preset function of the simulator based on the operation duration from the time the operation of the key is performed to the time the operation of the key is released.

[0031] Furthermore, preferably, the function generated in the keyboard device based on the operation duration varies depending on the stage of the virtual golf simulation on the virtual golf course.

[0032] The effects of the invention

[0033] The virtual golf simulation device and keyboard device utilizing it according to an embodiment of the present invention have the following effects: in order to enable a user who steps into the hitting area to perform golf swings to realize the functions in the virtual golf simulation process, it is possible to easily operate using a part of the user's body or the golf club held by the user, and at the same time, it can provide the user with the feel of operation based on keyboard operation while making the operation simple and convenient, thereby improving the reliability of operation.

[0034] Another embodiment of the virtual golf simulation device and the keyboard device therein have the following advantages: even if the number of keys provided by the keyboard is limited, it is still possible to achieve a variety of functions through the keyboard, and the operation is simple, which can improve user convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention applied to a screen golf system.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an operational example of a keyboard device used in a virtual golf simulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a keyboard device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a sensing value recognition method of a control unit corresponding to the output of a sensor unit in a keyboard device of a virtual golf simulator, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a keyboard device used in a virtual golf simulator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating a keyboard device for a virtual golf simulator, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a method of operating a keyboard device in a virtual golf simulator according to another embodiment of the present invention by means of illustrative actions.

[0043] Figure 10This diagram illustrates the different functions performed by key operations of a keyboard device during the virtual golf simulation phase in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The virtual golf simulation device of the present invention and the keyboard device thereused are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] First, refer to Figure 1 A virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1 An example of a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention applied to a screen golf system is shown.

[0046] A representative example of a virtual golf simulation device applying an embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 1 The screen golf system shown.

[0047] For example Figure 1 The screen golf system shown has a hitting area 100 set in a golf space GS that provides a predetermined space for users to play golf. A screen 104 is set in front of the hitting area 100 for projecting virtual golf simulation images. When user P steps into the hitting area 100 and hits a golf ball placed on a golf mat 102 with a golf club GC in front of the screen 104, a sensing device (not shown) senses the movement of the golf ball and the golf club, and projects a virtual golf simulation image on the screen 104 based on the sensing results, so that user P can play golf on a virtual golf course provided by the image as if playing real golf.

[0048] A virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a simulator 110, which realizes a simulated image SI of a virtual ball moving on a virtual golf course image based on sensing information of at least one of a golf ball and a golf club as the user P makes a golf shot in the hitting area 100; and an image output unit 120, which outputs the virtual golf course image and the simulated image SI realized by the simulator 110.

[0049] In particular, such as Figure 1 As shown, a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a keyboard device 200, which is configured to enable a user who steps into the hitting area 100 or an adjacent hitting area to operate and perform operations to implement the functions provided by the simulator.

[0050] The keyboard device 200 has multiple keys that are distinguished according to the functions provided by the simulator 110, and each key performs a pre-set function during the virtual golf simulation implemented by the simulator.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard device 200 is placed on one side of the hitting area 100 where user P makes a golf shot, or in a position that user P can easily access around the hitting area 100, so that user P can easily operate it with his feet or clubhead.

[0052] Figure 2 The keyboard device 200 of an embodiment of the present invention as described above is shown in more detail below.

[0053] Figure 2 (a) shows the state in which a user operates a keyboard device of an embodiment of the present invention using the head of a golf club in a virtual golf simulation device. Figure 2 (b) shows the user operating the keys with their own feet.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown in (a) and (b), a keyboard device 200 for a virtual golf simulator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 210, function keys 220 for performing multiple functions, and directional keys 230 for operating directions.

[0055] Function keys 220 may include multiple keys 221, 222, 223, and 224 for performing various functions that can be implemented during the virtual golf simulation, such as placing the golf ball on the tee, viewing the terrain grid, and making a pass. For convenience, the key indicated by reference numeral 221 is referred to as the first key, the key indicated by reference numeral 222 as the second key, the key indicated by reference numeral 223 as the third key, and the key indicated by reference numeral 224 as the fourth key.

[0056] Figure 2 (a) and (b) show an example of configuring function key 220 as four keys, but are not limited thereto. It is obvious that the function keys can be configured as more than four, and each key can be set to perform a preset function.

[0057] An embodiment of the present invention utilizes a keyboard device for a virtual golf simulator that can be operated based on bringing a part of the user's body or the head of a golf club within a predetermined distance to the key, or touching the key, or applying a predetermined pressure (pressing) to the key, rather than using a mechanical button pressing method. It has the feature of providing the user with a sense of operation by eliciting a tactile response based on such operation (the proximity, contact, or pressing of a part of the user's body or the head of a golf club).

[0058] In addition to tactile responses based on the operations described above, the operated key can also be illuminated to indicate that an operation has been performed, thereby improving the reliability of the user's operation.

[0059] Figure 2 (a) shows the case where the first key 221 illuminates in response to a tactile response as the user operates the first key 221 with the cue tip CH, causing a vibration. Figure 2 (b) shows the case where the first key 221 illuminates as the user operates it while wearing shoes, causing a vibration to produce a tactile response, thereby responding to the operation.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The construction of a keyboard device for a virtual golf simulator according to an embodiment of the present invention described above is described in more detail.

[0061] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a keyboard device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the control system.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, a keyboard device 200 for a virtual golf simulator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a keyboard body 300 having various devices for sensing operations, etc., and a keyboard cover 400 covering the upper part of the keyboard body 300.

[0063] Preferably, the disk body 300 includes a substrate 305 in a manner that allows for the mounting of various devices, and may have multiple key activation parts 310, 320, 330, and 340 corresponding to each key.

[0064] In addition, the disk cover 400 is attached to the upper end of the disk body, and can have key display parts 410, 420, 430, and 440 at the positions corresponding to each key activation part 310, 320, 330, and 340 to display the key.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, each key activation part 310, 320, 330, and 340 has a key protection part 360 at its upper end for protecting the device, thereby preventing key breakage due to user operation. The key protection part 360 may be made of a cushioning material such as silicon.

[0066] A control unit 500 may be provided in the disk body 300, and various sensors and modules provided in each key activation part 310, 320, 330, 340 of the disk body 300 are connected to the control unit 500 to perform operations under the control of the control unit.

[0067] As the user performs the operation on the designated key display units 410, 420, 430 or 440, the control unit 500 can trigger a tactile response of the key activation unit corresponding to the corresponding key display unit and transmit the operation information of the key corresponding to the key display unit to the simulator, so that the simulator can realize the function of the corresponding key.

[0068] exist Figure 3 In the figure, reference numeral 450 indicates a directional key display section displayed on the disk cover 400, and reference numeral 350 indicates a directional key activation section provided on the disk body 300 and corresponding to each direction of the directional key display section 450.

[0069] Each of the multiple key activation sections located on the main body 300 contains various components for realizing the function and action of the keys, such as... Figure 4 As shown, each key activation unit may be equipped with sensor units 311, 321..., vibration modules 312, 322..., light-emitting modules 313, 323... etc. Each component can be connected to the control unit 500 of the keyboard device. The control unit 500 can be connected to the simulator 110 of the virtual golf simulator device, and the control unit 500 transmits the operation information of each key of the keyboard device to the simulator 110 so that the simulator 110 realizes the function corresponding to the key operated.

[0070] The sensor units 311, 321... provided on each key 221, 222... can be configured to sense part of the user's body located in the striking area (see reference). Figure 2 (b) or golf club (see reference) Figure 2 (a) at least one of approaching, touching and pressing.

[0071] In addition, the vibration modules 312, 322... provided in each key 221, 222... vibrate to produce a tactile response when the sensor part of the key being operated senses the operation, and the light-emitting modules 313, 323... can emit light through the key display part corresponding to the corresponding key, thereby enabling the user to visually identify the operated key.

[0072] The sensor units 311, 321... include a metal sensing sensor that senses a metal material and transmits a sensing value corresponding to the distance from the metal material to the control unit 500. The control unit 500 can sense that the head of the golf club is close to or in contact with the key display unit within a predetermined distance based on the sensing value of the metal sensing sensor and recognize it as an operation.

[0073] Users entering the hitting area tend to use the head of the golf club to operate the keys. If the user brings the club head close to or touches the desired key position, the internal metal sensing sensor detects the metal club head, and the vibration module vibrates, causing a tactile response. The light-emitting module can then illuminate the corresponding key to indicate that the key has been operated, and the control unit can then generate the function of the corresponding key.

[0074] Furthermore, the sensor units 311, 321... include pressure sensing sensors that transmit sensing values ​​corresponding to the pressure of an object to the control unit 500. Based on the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensing sensors, when the user's shoe (in the state of wearing shoes) touches the key display unit or generates a predetermined pressure (press), the control unit 500 can recognize it as an operation.

[0075] When a user enters the striking area and places their foot on the desired key in the surrounding keyboard device or gently presses it, the internal pressure sensor can detect this, and the vibration module vibrates to induce a tactile response. At the same time, the light-emitting module illuminates the corresponding key, thereby indicating that the key has been operated, and the function of the corresponding key can be generated by the control unit.

[0076] Furthermore, the sensor units 311, 321... may include the metal sensing sensor and pressure sensing sensor as described above. Accordingly, the control unit 500 may be configured to sense all proximity, contact and pressing of a part of the user's body and the golf club to the designated key based on the sensing values ​​of the metal sensing sensor and the pressure sensing sensor.

[0077] Therefore, it is possible to operate the simulator's keys by simply touching the desired key position of the keyboard device with the clubhead or foot while the user is in the striking zone. At this time, the keyboard device can provide the user with a sense of operation through the tactile response of the vibration module and light emission.

[0078] On the other hand, refer to Figures 5 to 7 A keyboard device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0079] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a sensing value recognition method of a control unit corresponding to the output of a sensor unit in a keyboard device of a virtual golf simulator, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a keyboard device used in a virtual golf simulator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The sensor unit located inside each key of the keyboard device generates a sensing value based on the user's operation (the user's body part or the golf club approaching, touching, or pressing) and transmits it to the control unit. When the sensing value exceeds a preset threshold, the control unit can recognize that the corresponding key has been operated.

[0081] For example, when the sensor unit is a metal sensing sensor, the control unit that receives the sensing value from the metal sensing sensor when the user brings the clubhead close to or touches the first button position can recognize the proximity or contact of the clubhead as an operation on the first button and generate a function corresponding to the first button if the sensing value exceeds a preset threshold.

[0082] At this time, when the user positions the clubhead close to the first button (when it is within the effective sensing range of the metal sensor), the control unit that receives the sensing value from the metal sensor cannot recognize it as an operation of the first button because the sensing value cannot exceed a preset threshold.

[0083] As described above, when the sensing value of a sensor unit based on the proximity, contact, or pressing of a part of the user's body or a golf club exceeds a threshold, the control unit can recognize this behavior as an operation. In this case, the methods by which the control unit recognizes the operation include: Figure 5 As shown in (a), the case where an operation is identified as a single operation, regardless of maintaining the operating state; and as shown in (a) Figure 5 As shown in (b), when the operation is maintained, the identified sensing value is maintained until the operation is canceled.

[0084] In the former case, such as Figure 5 As shown in (a), when there is a key operation (e.g., the clubhead touches the key) and the control unit recognizes the corresponding sensing value (a sensing value exceeding the threshold), the sensing value recognized by the control unit will decrease to below the threshold as time Ti passes, and therefore the recognition of the sensing value by the control unit will no longer be maintained. Therefore, even if the user touches the clubhead and maintains this state, no additional operation will occur.

[0085] In the latter case, such as Figure 5 As shown in (b), it can be configured such that when there is a key operation (e.g., the cue head contacts the key) and the control unit recognizes the corresponding sensing value (a sensing value exceeding a threshold), the control unit maintains the recognized sensing value until the operation is released (e.g., the cue head that contacts the key is removed).

[0086] When Figure 5 When the control unit is set to maintain the recognition of the sensed value as shown in (b), the duration of the key operation state can be included in the key operation content.

[0087] That is, the duration of the operation state can be calculated, and different key functions can be implemented based on that duration.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), another embodiment of the keyboard device of the present invention for use in a virtual golf simulator is characterized in that, as the user operates the key, the control unit recognizes the sensing value of the sensor unit, and the control unit maintains the recognition of the sensing value of the sensor unit until the operation state is released, and, based on the maintenance time, multiple key functions can be realized.

[0089] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows the settings to keep the keyboard device's control section as follows: Figure 5 (b) shows an example of a case where the sensed value is identified so that multiple operations can be performed.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), a keyboard device 600 for a virtual golf simulator according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of keys 610, 620, 630, 640 and may be configured such that each key can perform more than two functions.

[0091] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), the first key 610 is configured to perform functions ① and ②, the second key 620 is configured to perform functions ③ and ④, the third key 630 is configured to perform functions ⑤ and ⑥, and the fourth key 640 can be configured to perform functions ⑦ and ⑧.

[0092] Here, each function represents a different function from the others. For example, function ① can be set to perform the terrain preview function, and function ② can be set to perform the "let one-shot" function.

[0093] As described above, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit of the keyboard device 600 used in a virtual golf simulator can sense the operation of a corresponding key as the user operates the designated key display unit (e.g., by touching the key with the clubhead), calculate the duration of the operation, and generate preset key functions that are different from each other based on the calculated duration of the operation.

[0094] For example, if the first key 610 is pre-set to activate function ① when the operation duration is time T1 and function ② when the operation duration is time T2, then when... Figure 6 As shown in (a), as the user contacts the first key 610 with the clubhead CH, the control unit recognizes the operation and maintains the contact for a duration T1, and then... Figure 6When the contact of the clubhead CH is released as shown in (b), the control unit can identify the contact duration of the clubhead as time T1 and activate the function of the first key 610 ①.

[0095] Furthermore, when such Figure 7 As shown in (a), as the user contacts the first key 610 with the clubhead CH, the control unit recognizes the operation and maintains the contact for a duration T2, and then... Figure 7 When the contact of the clubhead CH is released as shown in (b), the control unit can identify the contact duration of the clubhead as time T2 and activate the function of the first key 610 ②.

[0096] In this way, by pre-setting the operation duration for activating each of the multiple functions assigned to each key, many and diverse functions can be achieved through the keyboard device, even if the number of keys provided by the keyboard device is limited.

[0097] If the sensor unit is configured to include a metal sensing sensor, which transmits a sensing value corresponding to the distance from the metal material to the control unit to sense that the head of the golf club is approaching or contacting the key within a predetermined distance, the control unit can maintain the recognition of the sensing value of the metal sensing sensor until the approach or contact state of the golf club head is released, and perform different functions depending on the range of the maintenance time.

[0098] If the sensor unit includes a pressure sensing sensor that transmits a sensing value corresponding to the pressure of an object to the control unit to sense a part of the user's body touching or pressing a button, the control unit can maintain the recognition of the sensing value of the pressure sensing sensor until the state of contact or pressing of a part of the user's body is released, and perform different functions depending on the range of the maintenance time.

[0099] On the other hand, refer to Figure 8 A keyboard device for a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] The keyboard device in this embodiment also relates to the one described above. Figure 6 (a) shows the case where each key can perform multiple functions.

[0101] The above description Figure 6 and Figure 7 This refers to a keyboard device that configures a single key to perform multiple functions, with each function differing depending on the duration of the user's operation on the corresponding key.

[0102] That is, each key in the keyboard device of this embodiment is matched with a corresponding function for each type of user operation, and the function of the corresponding key is implemented according to the type of operation sensed by the sensor unit of the key operated by the user. Thus, different functions can be implemented for each key according to each type of user operation.

[0103] For example, suppose there are three types of operations that a user can perform on the keys provided in the keyboard device: "Operation 1", "Operation 2", and "Operation 3". The functions that the first key of the keyboard device can perform are set as "Function 1", "Function 2", and "Function 3". When the sensor unit provided on the first key senses each of the three operations, the keyboard device of this embodiment can perform Function 1 when Operation 1 is sensed on the first key, perform Function 2 when Operation 2 is sensed, and perform Function 3 when Operation 3 is sensed.

[0104] In response, Figure 8 The flowchart will be illustrated in more detail.

[0105] Operations 1, 2, and 3 can be set to, for example, "approach," "contact," and "press" of the golf club head, respectively. The functions 1, 2, and 3 of the first key can be set to, for example, "voice guidance for wind direction information," "placing the golf ball on the tee," and "give a shot."

[0106] like Figure 8 As shown, when a user operates the first key (S100), the control unit determines whether the sensor unit of the first key senses operation 1, operation 2, or operation 3.

[0107] When the sensor unit senses that the first button is operation 1 (e.g., "approach" of the cue head for the first button) (S100), the control unit determines whether the sensor unit senses operation 2 (e.g., "contact" of the cue head for the first button) within a preset time (S112). If operation 2 is not sensed, the control unit can determine that the user's operation is "operation 1" and implement the corresponding function 1 of the first button (S114).

[0108] When operation 1, operation 2, and operation 3 are respectively "approach", "contact", and "press", operation 2 (contact) needs to take precedence over operation 1 (approach), and operation 3 (press) needs to take precedence over operation 2 (contact). Therefore, the user's operation is not immediately determined as "operation 1" just because the sensor detects "operation 1". It is necessary to determine whether the "operation 1" detected by the sensor is the preemptive action of "operation 2".

[0109] Therefore, when the sensor detects operation 1 in step S110, it is determined, as in step S112, whether operation 2 will be detected within a preset time. If operation 2 is not detected, operation 1 detected in step S110 can be determined as the actual user's operation behavior, and the corresponding function 1 can be implemented.

[0110] On the other hand, when operation 2 is sensed within a preset time in step S112, the processing of when the sensor unit senses operation 2 in step S120 is followed.

[0111] When the sensor unit senses operation 2 (e.g., the cue head “contacts” the first button) (S120), the control unit determines whether the sensor unit senses operation 3 (e.g., the cue head “presses” the first button) within a preset time (S122). If operation 3 is not sensed, the control unit can determine that the user’s operation is “operation 2” and implement the corresponding function 2 of the first button (S124).

[0112] When operation 3 is sensed within a preset time in step S122, the processing of the situation where the sensor unit senses operation 3 in step S130 is followed.

[0113] When the sensor unit senses operation 3 (e.g., the cue head "pressing" the first button) (S130), if there are no other types of subsequent operations, the control unit can determine that the user's operation is operation 3 and implement the function 3 of the first button accordingly (S134).

[0114] In this way, each key of the keyboard device in this embodiment is matched with a corresponding function for each type of operation by each user, and the function of the corresponding key is realized according to the type of operation sensed by the sensor unit of the key operated by the user. Thus, different functions can be realized for each key according to the type of operation by each user.

[0115] On the other hand, refer to Figure 9 A keyboard device for a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0116] The keyboard device of this embodiment may include: a plurality of keys, which are distinguished according to the functions provided by the virtual golf simulator; a sensor unit disposed on each key to sense the operation of a part of the user's body or a golf club; and a control unit that generates a preset function according to the sequence of user operations on two or more key combinations among the plurality of keys.

[0117] For example, such as Figure 9As shown in (a), the keyboard device 700 may have keys k1 to k6, and the control unit may be set to execute function A for key combinations and continuous operation sequence of k1→k2→k3, function B for key combinations and continuous operation sequence of k4→k5→k6, and function C for key combinations and continuous operation sequence of k2→k5→k6.

[0118] Here, Function A, Function B, and Function C are used to explain the differences between each function. For example, Function A can be set to give up a shot, Function B can be set to preview the terrain, and Function C can be set to place the golf ball on the tee.

[0119] The keyboard device of this embodiment can sense at least one of the following: the user's body part or the golf club approaching, touching, or pressing, as an operation on the key. In particular, when the head of the golf club approaches or touches the key, the desired key function can be achieved very conveniently and easily through continuous contact of multiple key combinations.

[0120] That is, the control unit can sense the sequence of key combinations of operations based on the indicated actions of approaching or contacting the golf club head and generate a preset function corresponding to the indicated actions.

[0121] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown in (a), when the user moves the clubhead CH close to or touches the k1 key and then makes a gesture of dragging the k2 and k3 keys in sequence (for example, a gesture of pushing out in a straight line), the control unit can recognize that the operation was performed in the order of the key combination k1→k2→k3 and accordingly realize the preset function A.

[0122] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown in (b), when the user moves the clubhead CH close to or touches the k4 key and then makes a gesture of dragging the k5 and k6 keys in sequence (for example, a gesture of pushing out in a straight line), the control unit can recognize that the operation was performed continuously in the order of the key combination k4→k5→k6, and accordingly realize the preset function B.

[0123] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown in (c), when the user moves the clubhead CH close to or touches the k2 key and then performs the indicated action of sequentially dragging the k5 and k6 keys (for example, using...), (The shape dragging action) can be recognized by the control unit as a continuous operation performed in the order of key combination k2→k5→k6, and the preset function C is realized accordingly.

[0124] Apart from Figure 9 In addition to the examples shown, multiple key functions can be implemented based on combinations of multiple keys and the sequence of consecutive operations.

[0125] In this way, in addition to the function assigned to each key, multiple key functions can be implemented according to the combination of multiple keys and the sequence of continuous operations, so that even if the number of keys provided by the keyboard device is limited, a variety of functions can still be achieved through the keyboard device.

[0126] On the other hand, refer to Figure 10 A virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0127] Virtual golf simulation devices, such as screen golf systems, display a virtual golf course on a screen. As the user hits the ball in the hitting area, the simulator simulates the movement of the virtual ball on the virtual golf course image based on sensing information of the movement of at least one of the golf ball and golf club.

[0128] Playing golf on a virtual golf course is the same as playing golf on a real golf course, and can be divided into the tee shot phase, the course shot phase, and the putting phase.

[0129] In the virtual golf simulation device of this embodiment, the function generated based on the operation duration in the keyboard device is not allowed according to the stage of the virtual golf simulation on the virtual golf course, thereby selectively activating functions that can only be used during the stage of the virtual golf simulation.

[0130] When the keyboard device is in such Figure 6 When configured as shown in (a), as a function operable by the first key, it allows functions such as Figure 9 As shown, depending on the stage of the golf simulation, functions A and B, or functions C and D, or functions E and F can be used.

[0131] Each stage of the virtual golf simulation has features that can only be used in that stage.

[0132] For example, during the tee shot phase, functions can be used to increase or decrease the tee height, while during the putting phase, functions can be used to view the green or display the putting guidance. Thus, each phase has functions that can only be used in that phase.

[0133] In the keyboard device of the virtual golf simulator in this embodiment, even with the same key, the control unit can make the function realized by operating the corresponding key different depending on the stage of the virtual golf simulation being performed by the simulator.

[0134] For example, such as Figure 10As shown, in the virtual golf simulation, when the control unit of the keyboard device recognizes that the player is in the tee-off phase, maintaining the contact between the first button and the clubhead for a duration of T1 achieves function A, and maintaining the contact for a duration of T2 achieves function B. When the control unit recognizes that the player is in the course-hitting phase, maintaining the contact between the clubhead and the first button for a duration of T1 achieves function C, and maintaining the contact for a duration of T2 achieves function D. When the control unit recognizes that the player is in the putting phase, maintaining the contact between the clubhead and the first button for a duration of T1 achieves function E, and maintaining the contact for a duration of T2 achieves function F. Here, functions A through F represent different functions.

[0135] Thus, the present invention has the advantage of being able to achieve a wide variety of functions even with a limited number of keys provided by the keyboard device, in order to solve the problem in the prior art that there are many and many functions that can be achieved by user operation in virtual golf simulation, while the number of functions that can be achieved by buttons in the operating device is limited.

[0136] Industrial availability

[0137] The virtual golf simulation device and keyboard device thereunder of the present invention can be used in industries related to ball sports such as golf, which are performed using a ball, as well as in industries related to allowing users to practice or enjoy ball sports in a virtual environment, such as so-called screen golf, which allows users to enjoy playing golf based on a virtual golf simulation.

Claims

1. A keyboard device for use in a virtual golf simulation device, characterized in that, include: The main body of the disk has multiple key activation units that sense the operation of a part of the user's body or a golf club and trigger a tactile response. The disc cover is attached to the upper end of the disc body and has a key display section at the position corresponding to each of the key activation sections to display the key; as well as The control unit, in response to the user's operation on the designated key display unit, triggers a tactile response from the key activation unit corresponding to the corresponding key display unit, and generates a key function corresponding to the corresponding key display unit. Each of the key activation units includes: The sensor unit is configured to sense at least one of the user’s body part or the golf club’s proximity, contact and pressing as the operation; A vibration module that generates vibrations for the tactile response as the sensor unit senses the operation; A light-emitting module that illuminates each of the key display sections in response to the operation sensed by the sensor unit. The sensor unit includes a pressure sensing sensor that transmits a sensed value corresponding to the pressure of the object to the control unit. The control unit recognizes the user's body part touching or pressing the key display as the operation based on the sensing value of the pressure sensor. The control unit is configured as follows: The key display unit is pre-set with multiple different functions to be implemented during the golf simulation process implemented by the virtual golf simulation device. As the user operates the key display unit, the duration of the operation is calculated. Based on the calculated duration of the operation, the function corresponding to the calculated duration of the pre-set multiple different functions is implemented.

2. The keyboard device for a virtual golf simulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor unit also includes a metal sensing sensor that senses metallic materials and transmits a sensing value corresponding to the distance from the metallic material to the control unit. The control unit identifies the user's body part and the golf club's proximity, contact, and pressing as the operation based on the sensing values ​​of the metal sensing sensor and the pressure sensing sensor.

3. A keyboard device for use in a virtual golf simulation device, characterized in that, include: The main body of the disk; Multiple keys, which are connected to the virtual golf simulation device, are set on the main body of the board according to the functions provided by the virtual golf simulation device; A sensor unit is provided at each of the plurality of keys to sense operation of each of the keys via a part of the user's body or a golf club; as well as The control unit generates a preset function implemented in the virtual golf simulation device, which is different from the function of each of the operated keys, based on the order of operations on two or more preset combinations of the plurality of keys.

4. The keyboard device for a virtual golf simulation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensor unit is configured to sense the approach or contact of the golf club head. The control unit is configured to sense the sequence of operations of the key combinations corresponding to the indicated action of the golf club head caused by the proximity or contact, and generate a preset function corresponding to the indicated action.

5. A keyboard device for use in a virtual golf simulation device, characterized in that, include: The main body of the disk; Multiple keys, which are connected to the virtual golf simulation device, are set on the main body of the board according to the functions provided by the virtual golf simulation device; A sensor unit is provided at each of the plurality of keys to sense operation of each of the keys via a part of the user's body or a golf club; as well as The control unit configures at least one of the plurality of keys to perform multiple functions, identifies the types of user operations sensed by the sensor unit, and matches a corresponding function from the plurality of functions of the key to each type of user operation, so that the key performs different functions for each type of user operation. The control unit controls the operation to: when the sensor unit senses the user's operation on the key, and if no other type of subsequent operation on the corresponding key is sensed within a preset time, to implement the function of the corresponding key corresponding to the sensed user operation.

6. A virtual golf simulation device, characterized in that, include: A simulator that simulates the movement of a virtual ball on a virtual golf course image based on sensing information of the movement of at least one of the golf ball and golf club as the user hits the ball in the striking area. The image output unit outputs the virtual golf course image and simulated image implemented by the simulator; and A keyboard device includes a plurality of keys, a sensor unit, and a control unit. The keys are arranged on or adjacent to the hitting area in a manner operable by a user entering the hitting area, enabling operations to implement functions provided by the simulator and differentiated according to the functions provided by the simulator. The sensor unit is located on each key to sense the operation of a part of the user's body or a golf club. The control unit generates preset functions of the simulator based on the operation duration from the time the key is operated until the operation is released. Depending on the stage of the virtual golf simulation on the virtual golf course, the functions generated in the keyboard device based on the operation duration differ.

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